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Workers involved in handling oil seeds and grain inspectors in the Rosario Hub comprising 25 loading points, initiated a strike on Tuesday, December 1st threatening to cripple the potential of Argentina to export soybeans, soybean oil and soybean meal necessary to earn foreign exchange.

For the record Argentina has posted a 19 percent decline in GNP over the past 12 months, and GNP was down 51 percent over the third quarter of 2020. Consumer prices have risen 41 percent in 2020 year-to-date and unemployment has risen concurreently to 12 percent. The interest rate has gained 464 basis points and the currency of Argentine has declined 24 percent against the U.S. Dollar over the past 12 months.

Prolonged inflation as a result of fiscal mismanagement by the socialist government has created a sense of desperation among workers and numerous sectors are threatening strike action to obtain a living wage.  Organizers for the unions concerned claim that CAARA-CEC, the employers’ association has not negotiated in good faith.  This contention is denied by the Chamber representing companies exporting commodities, claiming excessive demands by workers who previously staged a strike in October.

To complicate the issue captains of pilot boats necessary to assist in the docking and movement of ocean-going bulk carriers have staged a standdown although it is anticipated that the Federal Coast Guard will restore services.