Fiat Fails to Settle with Workers Occupying Argentinian Plant

09/25/96

Reuters has reported that negotiations between about 700 workers and Fiat SpA did not resolve the workers' dispute. Fiat transferred the workers to its Argentinian Ferreyra motor and gearbox plant car plant from a car parts factory. The workers occupied their new worksite five days ago in protest over a reduction in pay: they demand the same pay and conditions they had before they were transferred.

Jorge Rendo, manager of institutional relations at Fiat Argentina, said "the conflict is continuing. The company is negotiating with the participation of the Labor Ministry of Cordoba province."

Rendo also threatened that Fiat would start importing parts from plants in Brazil and Italy if the occupation continued.

On Sunday, Jos Campellone, local head of the car workers' union, said that the occupation "is for an indefinite period." He added that unionists would stage a major demonstration outside the plant on Thursday, when Argentine trade unions begin a nationwide 36-hour general strike.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel