BA City teachers wage talks suspended

Buenos Aires City government and members of the 17 teachers’ union failed to reach an agreement over the wage talks only eight days before the beginning of the classes.

Most of the unions claim for a 29 percent hike of the teachers’ minimum wage, while the government offers a 20 percent increase.

“We believe that to take the minimum wage to 3,000, simple working days and 6,000 in the complete days is a favourable proposal,” the head of the City’s Education Ministry, Esteban Bullrich, told the press.

On the other hand, the secretary-general of UTE-CTERA, Eduardo López, rejected the offer and assured that the “minister offered an annual raise in two parts, totaling 17.6 percent of the salary.”

“We demand a 29 percent increase,” the unionist stated.

Despite the nationwide Carnival bank holiday, the UTE insisted to have a meeting with the minister considering the short time left before the start of the class-year.

Last Thursday, the UTE asked Bullrich an increase of at least 29 percent, thus taking the minimum wage to 3,100 pesos.

Likewise, López indicated that "Bullrich is now saying that what the BA City offered represents a salary floor of 3,000 pesos but that's not true. That's only for those with perfect assistance, hence including assistance bonus. Otherwise, if you get sick, you only get 2,850 pesos."