Forestry Workers Union (SUNOF – formerly SOIMANORPA) - 20 July 2006

The Forestry Workers Union (Sindicato de Obreros Forestales –SUNOF) is in a state of pre-conflict with the Rivera based forestry company FYMNSA, due to the company’s aggressive attitude and breaching of labour regulations over the past months with regard to the workers.

First of all, in February not only did FYMNSA not adjust salaries according to the provisions of the Salary councils, but it lowered them.

Furthermore and in spite of the reiterated demands made by the trade union and even by the legal system, it continues to disregard the 8 hour work day and does not pay the overtime generated every day.

FYMNSA’s ruling that obliges workers – over 150 – to work on State holidays, which came into force on 1 May and prevented tens of workers from attending the celebration of Workers Day as arranged by the Union, has also caused unrest.

During the month of June FYMNSA also brought into force working rules that include dozens of articles and represents a real “military code” of the way FYMNSA expects workers to behave in the company.

The limit came last week when a 66 year-old union member, with 10 years seniority in the company and with no disciplinary antecedents, called the company to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, claiming payment of overtime and the board and lodging benefit. The owner of the company, Mr. Lorenzo Balerio shouted reprimands and dismissed him. To date, the worker has not even received his redundancy payment. This is an abuse.

Dialogue with the Union still exists but the reverting of FYMNSA’s breaches of labour legislation and respect for trade union organization and workers has not been achieved.

Forestry Workers Union (SUNOF – formerly SOIMANORPA)
20 July 2006