-Could you gives us a brief summary of the conflict?

-Our demand responded essentially to Quilmes-InBev’s newly expressed intention to restructure its relationship with the distributors. If they had achieved their aim, thousands of jobs would’ve been lost. It would’ve also create another area of conflict because the distributors had not finished paying all the wages for June and still owed workers the thirteenth month half bonus and the corresponding prizes. In the face of such a situation, we held a mobilization that lasted eight days.

-What kind of actions did you carry out?

-Various kinds of actions: from handing out flyers and organizing marches and demonstrations, to a failed attempt to camp out in front of the Brazilian embassy, which was repressed by the Police. But most importantly, in coordination with the Argentinean Federation of Carbonated Beverages and Related Industry Workers (FATAGA), we paralyzed Pepsi-Cola and beer production throughout the country, and we blocked the warehouses and plants. It was eight days in the streets, braving the harsh winter that is hitting the country with extremely low temperatures for the region. But everyone stood their ground and continued struggling.

-Until you finally reached an agreement. Under what conditions?

-The conditions were that the distributors had to pay all they owed, which they did. The workers were already being paid this morning. And, of course, they withdrew their restructure proposal, we hope that this time it’ll be for good. That means that not a single distribution worker will lose their job. For our part, we put the plants back in operation and unblocked the warehouses.

-What was the reaction to such a resounding success?

-Yesterday we held a huge rally in the street, attended by a great number of workers, where we announced the outcome of our struggle. Everyone was overjoyed and expressed their gratitude to the union, even though all the union did was guide them in a struggle that was waged entirely by them in the streets. I think everyone in general was satisfied.

-What’s your evaluation of the international solidarity you received?

-It was crucial, not just the continuous concern of the IUF’s regional secretary, Gerardo Iglesias, and the international exposure given to the conflict, but also the background material they provided, which helped us prove that this transnational corporation uses the same methodologies everywhere, and that they were now attempting to do the same here in Argentina. So we’re very grateful for the quality of the support we received.

Carlos Amorín © Rel-UITA July 13, 2007

Photo: AP