Last week, the dismissal of 12 workers of Nestle Waters, triggered a quick action by the Argentinean Federation of Carbonated Beverages and Related Industry Workers (FATAGA). Pablo Quiroga, FATAGA Administrative Secretary, commented on the development and results of the union action.

-What was the reason for the strike of Nestle workers at the water bottling plant?

-The strike was a reaction to the layoff of 12 outsourced workers. The joint decision of the shop stewards and the union was to stop the production until such workers were reinstated.

- What was the result of this action?

-It was very effective. After 12 hours of strike all workers were reinstated by Nestle Waters. The union also managed to sign an agreement including the commitment of not dismissing or suspending any worker -whether permanent or outsourced- during 2009.

-Very positive…

-Yes, because not only all workers are back in their jobs, but there is also a corporate commitment not to lay off anyone during this year.  Additionally, it was agreed that no situation involving workers can be dealt with unilaterally by Nestle.