Peru's National Agrarian Health Service (SENASA) workers are carrying out an indefinite strike in Arequipa and other regions of the country protesting the non-compliance with salary increases pending for 14 years. Edwin Mamani, regional secretary of SENASA workers' union in Arequipa, attributes the lack of compliance to the absence of effective management within the institution and demands the national head of SENASA, Janios Miguel Quevedo, be replaced for not complying with the established agreements.
The union also demands the 2016 arbitration award, which includes a salary increase of 165 soles and an exceptional bonus of 2,000 soles, is implemented and the updating and approval of a new remuneration scale. Mamani calls on exporters, who will be affected by the strike, to intervene and request a solution from the corresponding Ministry.
The strike, which involves 1,500 workers nationwide and 100 in the Arequipa region, threatens to significantly impact the export of key products such as grapes and avocados. SENASA plays a crucial role in the Peruvian agricultural sector, as it's responsible for protecting and improving agricultural health, controlling and eradicating pests and diseases, and certifying agricultural products for export. The stoppage of their activities could jeopardize the quality and safety of Peru's agricultural products in international markets.
SENASA has taken measures to ensure the continuity of its operations in the 25 executive directorates and care centers throughout the country.
In a statement, the agency emphasized that the Senior Management has promoted dialogue and collaboration, recognizing its staff's effort and dedication to maintaining agricultural health. In addition, it stated that General Directorial Resolution No. 000133-2024-MTPE/2/14, dated June 12, 2024, issued by the Labor Management Authority, has declared the strike as inadmissible.
Despite this, SENASA believes dialogue is the path to a satisfactory agreement. The institution reaffirmed its commitment to the workers' right to protest and made calls to continue talks to find solutions that benefit the institution and its users.
Source: elbuho.pe / agroperu.pe