15/07/2026 12:26 - Actualidad
For our international readers, it is important to understand that in Argentina, 'Paritarias' are joint collective bargaining sessions where unions and employers (in this case, the provincial state) negotiate working conditions and salary adjustments. These negotiations are a cornerstone of Argentina's labor relations, designed to protect workers' purchasing power against inflation.
On July 13, 2026, the province of Neuquén—located in the northern part of Argentine Patagonia, known for its rich natural gas and oil resources—marked the beginning of these critical wage negotiations for the second half of the year. In a spirit of dialogue and collaboration, the provincial government and the main state unions sat down at the table to seek improvements in wages that would benefit public sector workers across the region.
Representing the provincial government were officials committed to labor progress: Jorge Tobares, Carola Pogliano, Juan Grandi, Juan González López, and Natalia Puppio.
On the union side, the associations ATE (State Workers Association), UPCN (Civil Personnel Union of the Nation), and UNAVP participated. It is important to note that the ATEN union (Teachers Association of Neuquén) was not part of this call, as they have an annual agreement signed in December 2025, ensuring predictability for their affiliates.
The representative of ATE, Carlos Quintriqueo, presented the demand to achieve a wage recovery for the well-being of the workers.
Meanwhile, UPCN questioned the current calculation mechanism, proposing alternatives for a fairer distribution. At the same time, UNAVP contributed to the dialogue by presenting various observations to enrich the technical and administrative debate.
These collective bargaining negotiations are spaces of democratic dialogue where representatives of workers (unions) and employers discuss and agree on labor conditions and salary increases. This mechanism is fundamental to maintaining the purchasing power of public employees and fostering a harmonious, productive work environment full of hope for the future of Neuquén's families.
With great optimism regarding the possibilities of reaching an agreement, the parties have scheduled the next meeting for July 28, 2026. On this date, they expect to move towards a consensus that will bring economic peace of mind to the homes of Neuquén's state workers.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
