Today, it was announced by President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and Minister of Labour Carlos Tomada that the minimum wage will rise by 25% from the current $2,300, with two increments. After yesterday’s meeting of the Wage Board, the members agreed that the first increment will be to $2,670 in September, and the second one to $2,875 in February 2013.

The Wage Board agreed to raise the monthly minimum wage until it reaches the projected $2,875. As of September, the wage will be raised by 16% to $2,670 and finally by the remaining 9% in February.

“In the middle of an international crisis, active state policies need to focus on the preservation of jobs,” said president Fernández, who also questioned CGT unionist Hugo Moyano’s absence, without naming him.

The changes made to the minimum wage require two-thirds of the votes in favour of the 32 members of the Minimum Wage Board. As well as Moyano’s absence, the absence of the leader of the Agrarian Federation, Eduardo Buzzi, caused concern over yesterday’s negotiations, prompting fears that it would be a long and complicated process.

For over a decade, yearly salary increases were frozen at $200. However, the Minimum Wage Board was re-activated in 2004. Tomada reiterated the importance of increasing the minimum wage in the middle of a worldwide crisis that is affecting all countries.

The percentage increase that was on the table of the Commission meeting was between 23 and 26% with different thoughts on implementation as well as when the changes would come into effect. Of the 28 members of the Board who were present, 25 voted in favour of the 25% increase to $2,875 with the three abstentions from the agricultural organisations Rural Society, CRA, and Coninagro.

As well as the wage increase, the Wage Board also discussed work registration. The person thought to be next in line as leader of the CGT, Antonio Caló, said that work registration would ensure that employers have a fairer competition for all. In accordance with this thought was leader of the CTA, Pedro Wasiejko, who called the defining of policies a significant advance in order to combat irregular work.

A meeting between union officials and the government to negotiate a new level for the minimum wage was terminated without conclusion earlier today. Negotiations will continue in a second session at 4.30pm.

Workers and officials are hoping to fix a new minimum wage agreement for the annual restructuring conducted by the National Council for Employment. Each year salaries and benefits are considered by the National Council. A dispute is currently raging over the raising of the base salary for public workers.

The meeting began at midday with a session about benefits and the minimum wage and a second session will be held by the wage board at 16.30. Head of the cabinet of the Labour Ministry, Norberto Ciaravino chaired the meeting which was also attended by Pedro Etcheberry and Carlos Raúl de la Vega from the Chamber of Commerce and Carlos Funes de Rioja, from the Industrial Union of Argentina (UIA). Gerardo Martínez attended from the CGT and Hugo Yasky and Pedro Wasiejko represented Argentina’s other key umbrella union, the CTA.

Notably absent, however, was Hugo Moyano. The leader of the anti government CGT faction explained that he would not be attending the negotiations.

“Why would we offer to go, just to make this even more of a parody” he said today.

“The last agreement wasn’t an agreement, it was an imposition” he said, “the President decided how much the minimum wage should be” said Moyano, in reference to the meeting of the wage board in 2011 when the base rate for salaries was raised to $2,300.

In order to agree a new mimimum wage, workers and government officials must first agree on a poposed figure and then submit it for consideration at the meeting of the wage board later today.

However according to Funes de Rioja “there is currently a big distance between proposals.”

The government backed figure currently stands at around $2,900 however Moyano is calling for an increase to $3,500.

The debate does not stop with the wage itself however. There are also issues around taxation on the minimum wage. Head of the CTA, Hugo Yasky commented today that “the problem is not the figure that is being debated here, the problem is that the same minimum is paid across the entire country.”

Yasky claimed he would be proposing “a law to make the tax system fairer, which would be welcomed by all argentines.”

Despite the issues, Carlos de la Vega has remained optimistic about the potential for an agreement today, saying this morning “I hope that there will be an agreement today. There is always red tape to get through, and always a few signatures missing, but the important thing is that we are all coming together with the joint desire to reach an agreement.”

President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner met with union leaders from the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) after Hugo Moyano was controversially re-elected for a second term as Secretary General of the organization.

At the meeting on Monday night, Fernández asked for “one CGT”, referring to supporters of the current union leader who had refused to attend. “I wish those that were missing from this discussion were here. I know members of the union are strenuously trying to get past this difficulty, but we must continue working together.”

The president gave a speech to journalists at the opening of the meeting and explained that after cameras were withdrawn, union leaders and ministers would continue talks behind closed doors.

Following Moyano´s re-election, the large Argentine labour union has seen internal tensions escalate as unionists threaten to create new CGT branches.

Currently, there are three leading factions within the organization. One group supports Anotonio Caló, leader of the Metal Workers Union, as its leader, a second group of 56 unions supports Luis Barrionuevo, and a third supports Moyano.

The usual political mud slinging hit the radio waves this morning as tension between national senator Aníbal Fernández and CGT umbrella union leader Hugo Moyano continues to grow in the face of controversial CGT elections.

In an interview on Radio 10 Fernández accused Moyano of using “transvestite” and “oligarchy” politics as he refreshed his criticism of the current leader of the General Confederation of Labour (CGT).

“Moyano has completely lost his sense of direction,” said Fernández, “I used to consider him a close friend but now it pains me to listen to all the stupid things he is saying.”

Tension between the national government and Moyano has been steadily growing in recent weeks because of disputes over universal family allowances and an increase to the income tax threshold. Moyano’s mass protests in the Plaza de Mayo in late June only furthered the gap.

Fernández’s comments come right before Moyano’s scheduled CGT elections in which he hopes to be re-elected.

Anti-Moyanists within the CGT also met today and declared their intention to hold their own elections on 3rd Oct. after Moyano’s, scheduled for 12th July, were declared invalid by the Ministry of Labour. They hope to get 16 to 17 votes from the CGT governing counsel of 35 members in favour of their own leader. This would allow them to gain control of the CGT and force Moyano to officially separate. The most likely candidate is Metal Worker’s Union (UOM) leader Antonio Caló.

The breaking up of the CGT has come after disputes over strikes and the confrontation between Moyano and the national government. The anti-Moyanist “Independents” and “Gordos” (“fat cats”) did not join Moyano in the Plaza de Mayo protests in June.

Although some attempts were made to breach the gap between the unions under the control of the CGT, no agreement was reached. Even Moyano has stated that, “the CGT is divided.”

Today’s meeting, overseen by Deputy Secretary of the CGT Juan Belén confirmed the official divide. Despite all the controversy, Moyano still plans to hold his elections this Thursday.

Argentina’s largest umbrella union, the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) is awaiting a decision from the labour ministry about a potential change to their election date. Current leader, Hugo Moyano set the date as the 12^th July however groups opposed to Moyano’s re-election want to change the date. The decision will be made today by the labour ministry, led by Carlos Tomada.

Key union figures in Argentina argue that Moyano does not have the quorum necessary to decide the current date. Head of the Metal Workers Union (UOM), Juan Belén, is leading the opposition against Moyano and could end up as the next leader of the union if anti-Moyanist sentiment increases.

Internal discord within the CGT has escalated in recent years. The conflict came to a head today with the announcement that several unions want to launch a new union to correct the current issues in the CGT.

The UOM and Taxi Drivers Union among others have launched a call for change, expressing their concern over Moyano’s recent struggles against the government

In a statement, the group said “irrational and unnecessary confrontations are making us weaker, we are running the risk of involving ourselves in a dispute which includes no one”.

Support for Moyano has become increasingly polarised within the union. Last week’s strike to demand universal family credits and an increase to the base level for income tax was unevenly attended across unions. Notably absent were many independent unions and the majority of those connected to public transport, such as the Taxi Drivers Union, and unions of government workers.

If Carlos Tomada decides to accept the anti-Moyanist’s demands today, a new date will be decided for the elections. The government may choose to uphold the original date called by Moyano, to show an unwillingness to get involved in internal union issues.

Front for Victory senator Aníbal Fernández said “This isn’t a political argument, it’s a task for the labour ministry to deal with. The people who manage the CGT have the right to set a date for the elections, just as the opposition has the right to demand they adhere to regulation.”

Several protests brought the city of Buenos Aires to a standstill last week. On Tuesday 26th June, protestors commemorated the ten year anniversary of the Avellaneda Massacre where two young men, Darío and Maxi were killed by police during a protest by the piqueteros demanding better living conditions at the peak of the social and economic crisis. On Wednesday 27th June, protestors began gathering in the morning in the Plaza de Mayo and around the Obelisk for what the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) hoped to be a 150,000 person demonstration in the afternoon. Photographers Diego Espinosa, Patricio Guillamón, and Patricio Murphy were on hand to cover the events.

The motorway stands empty at Puente Pueyrredón during the protest commemorating the ten year anniversary of the Avellaneda Massacre. (Photo: Patricio Murphy)

The motorway is blocked off at Puente Pueyrredón. (Photo: Patricio Murphy)

The students' union of the University of Buenos Aires protests at Puente Pueyrredón (Photo: Patricio Guillamón)

Piqueteros cut off Puente Pueyrredón. (Photo: Patricio Guillamón)

Choripan vendors set up shop in the center during the protests by CGT on Wednesday June 27. (Photo: Diego Espinosa)

A mother carries a sign saying 'Cristina I want to provide for my children, not yours' during the CGT protest. (Photo: Diego Espinosa)

Banners and protestors cut off the streets during the CGT protest. (Photo: Diego Espinosa)

A woman wears an involved protest banner during Wednesday's CGT protest. (Photo: Diego Espinosa)

The CGT protest fills up Plaza de Mayo. (Photo: Patricio Murphy)

CGT protestors enjoy a festive afternoon. (Photo: Patricio Murphy)

Wednesday's CGT protest fills Plaza de Mayo and the surrounding streets, bringing the city-centre to a standstill. (Photo: Patricio Murphy)

CGT protestors set off coloured smoke bombs during Wednesday's protest. (Photo: Patricio Murphy)

The CGT protest organized by Moyano brought the city-centre to a stand-still with their demands for income tax reform. (Photo: Patricio Murphy)

Plaza de Mayo is filled with people and the skies above are filled with balloons and markers. (Photo: Patricio Murphy)

Diagonal Norte is filled with protestors from Plaza de Mayo to the Obelisk. (Photo: Patricio Murphy)

Hugo Moyano, Secretary General of the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) has called a general strike for this Wednesday and is claiming that he will not stand for re-election if the government accepts the union’s demands. In a press conference held at noon today, Moyano confirmed the one-day strike which will see workers gathering in the Plaza de Mayo. Not all unions are in favour of the measure however, and several have said they will not be taking part.

Moyano has called the strike to demand for a raise in the income tax threshold and universal family allowances. However many claim the strike is politically motivated. Secretary General of the Union for Dredging, Juan Schmidt has firmly denied this, claiming this morning that there is “no political motive” and that “if solutions are found the strike could be lifted”.

Secretary General of the Argentine Workers’ Union (CTA), Hugo Yasky said today that “the path the CGT has chosen is disproportionate to their demands”. He also implied that many businesses are supporting the CGT’s actions due to a desire for political change and devaluation.

“Many businesses want to see the same policies in Argentina that are being applied in Europe” said Yasky.

Moyano has replied to these accusations saying that “raising the threshold for income tax isn’t political; the fact that not everyone receives family allowances isn’t political”.

The relationship between the CGT and the government has soured since the death of former president Néstor Kirchner. Moyano, who is also secretary general of the Truck Drivers’ Union, had a good relationship with Kirchner but were angered by President Fernández’s refusal to grant a bigger share for CGT members in the government, leading to a divide within the union.

Moyano launched a truck drivers’ strike at midnight last Monday which was immediately succeeded by a mandatory conciliation period called by the Labour Ministry. Strikes were immediately cancelled everywhere but the province of Entre Rios, but impacts were still felt when trucks then took part in a 72 hour fuel transport strike on Wednesday. Several areas were left without fuel and president Fernández was forced to return home early from the UN Summit on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro.

Last Tuesday, an offer of a 25.5% salary raise for truck drivers was granted. Despite this, Moyano decided to call a general strike in demand for a rise in the income tax threshold and family allowances. “Every day there are more workers who pay income tax and receive less family allowances”, he said.

Moyano claims that many groups have already signed up for the strike, which is planned to start at 2pm on Wednesday.

The Argentine Workers Union (CTA) has began a day of protests, blocking roads with protests across the capital, with strikes also taking place in other major cities.

The protesters, led by Pablo Micheli, are demanding a higher minimum wage, better working conditions and more support for the retired.

The press release issued by the union clearly states what they are trying to achieve: “5000 pesos minimum salary, equal rights, against the application of taxes on salary profits, for an 82% motive for retirees and pensioners, for the unification of limitless family allocation, and to say no to the antiterrorist law.”

The Buenos Aires secretary general, Carlos Chile, explained to Radio Mitre earlier today that the strike has long been in the pipeline. “We voted for this strike in February and we have been constructing and debating it far and wide across the country in more than 500 assemblies,” he said. “We are gathering under the slogan: ‘We’re striking because it’s not enough’.”

“We are in a situation where the worker has been taken as the adjustable variant in a moment of crisis while profit rates fall,” he continued.

The road blocks are concentrated in various locations across Buenos Aires including: General Paz and Constituyentes; Puente Saavedra; Puente Pueyrredon; Carlos Pelligrini and Corrientes; Paseo Colón and Avenida Belgrano; Avenida de Mayo and Perón; Entre Ríos and Pavón and Cordoba 700 and are set to continue until around 1pm. At 2pm, the union members intend to gather on 9 de Julio, then to march to Plaza de Mayo.

The union strikes have the support of the General Confederation of Labour who announced similar protests yesterday. “We agree with the CTA protest, these are issues that are also in the CGT’s agenda,” Julio Piumato, the CGT director, said at a meeting of supporters.

In addition to these roadblocks, metal workers brought General Paz to a standstill this morning with their own protests.

National Senator and ex-Cabinet Chief, Aníbal Fernández, today called for leader of the Labour Confederation (CGT), Hugo Moyano, to apologise for comments made yesterday in a radio interview.

Moyano criticised the current Kirchner administration, and named the senator a “fairground clown,” and a “lackey,” for serving the Duhalde, Menem and now the Kirchner governments.

Fernández emphasised: “I was never an employee of Menem. Yes, I was for Duhalde, but I have nothing to regret. I feel happy that I took the action I did.”

Today, Fernández responded to Moyano’s comments in a radio interview, stating “I believe Moyano is mistaken and should apologise.” He also commented that he was “personally fond of Moyano” and considered him a “friend.”

“He is a grown up man, and he should be a little more responsible, and I hope that at some point he will pick up the phone and realise he was mistaken,” said the senator.

He also stated that Moyano’s criticism of the government was a “stupidity,” and that his issue is not with the government, but with other union leaders.

In defence of President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, the senator claimed that Moyano’s words sought to “agrevate” the government, and that they hinted at “machismo and misogyny.”

“It seems like it bothers him that the national Peronist movement is being led by a woman.”

Relations between the union leader and the government continue to be tense, and have been gradually disintegrating after a previously close relationship.

The leader of the largest trade union in Argentina, (CGT) Hugo Moyano, led a huge rally today at midday in Parque Roca in the area of Villa.

Moyano announced a plan of 7,000 compensations owed to garbage collectors, an agreement that he had made with Buenos Aires City mayor, Mauricio Macri. He also discussed the importance of “coherence” between factions of the union.

The move shows the leader, once a firm supporter of President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, to step further away from her side. Moyana also implicitly criticised the government, stating that those who “ take away rights are betraying the workers.”

Around 30,000 people attended the rally, showing a large amount of support for the leader, who hopes to be re-elected as the head of the union. However, the figure is much lower than rallies he once led, for example in River Plate during a time when his relationship with the government was stronger.

Speaking to his critics, Moyano stated: “Those who said I was alone need to see the truth. Look how alone I am here. We can make mistakes, but we shall never betray the workers.”