21/07/2026 15:21 - Economia
In a climate of dialogue and joint construction, the Government of the Province of Santa Fe presented on July 21, 2026, a new wage offer for the second half of the year within the framework of collective bargaining negotiations (known locally as 'paritarias') with the public administration unions, UPCN and ATE. The meeting, led by ministers Pablo Olivares (Economy), Fabián Bastia (Government), and Roald Báscolo (Labor), yielded a highly positive result, prioritizing workers at the bottom of the wage pyramid.
The wage proposal consists of two fundamental pillars: percentage increases for higher categories and guaranteed minimums for lower scales, ensuring that no worker falls below inflation.
| Month | Percentage Increase | Guaranteed Minimum (Fixed Sum) |
|---|---|---|
| July | 2% | $80,000 |
| August | 1.8% | $100,000 |
| September | 1.7% | $100,000 |
| October | 1.6% | $130,000 |
| November | 1.5% | $130,000 |
| December | 1.5% | $180,000 (Impacts the annual bonus / 'aguinaldo') |
| Total Semester Accumulated | 10.1% | |
This way, workers in the lowest categories will receive a semester increase of 15.5%, which, added to the increases from the first half of the year, represents an annual increase of 36% for the base levels. Minister Olivares highlighted that this strategy of minimum floors is "an effective mechanism for all workers."
One of the most celebrated announcements was the decision by Governor Maximiliano Pullaro to guarantee that no worker had an increase lower than the 17.1% inflation recorded in the first half of the year. It is estimated that about 20% of the agents did not reach that index, so the government committed to settling the difference through a complementary paysheet.
Leaving the meeting, which lasted over 90 minutes with two recesses, union representatives expressed their agreement. Jorge Molina, general secretary of UPCN, valued that "for the context we have in private economic activity and national public economic activity, it is a considerable proposal." Meanwhile, Marcelo Delfor from ATE pointed out that the offer "seems reasonable" amidst an unfavorable national economic situation.
Now, the unions will put the offer to their affiliates for consideration. UPCN will hold a vote on its institutional website from 12:00 PM on July 22 until July 23. Once accepted, the increases would be paid via a complementary paysheet.
On August 5, 2026, the Technical Commission dependent on the Central Paritaria will meet, with the participation of the Minister of Economy, to address specific claims related to areas such as Nursing, Health, Subrogance Titularizations, and the situation of non-permanent staff in the Provincial State, demonstrating the government's continuous commitment to the well-being of its workers.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
