14/07/2026 09:32 - Economia
In a constructive tone focused on stability, the government of the Argentine province of Neuquén, led by Governor Rolando Figueroa, initiated a new round of salary negotiations with state employee unions on July 13, 2026. The main objective is to provide peace of mind and predictability to workers for the second half of the year, within a framework of respect and active listening to the demands of each sector, according to official sources.
In Argentina, 'paritarias' are formal collective bargaining negotiations between the government (or private employers) and labor unions. These talks are essential to set salary adjustments, usually aiming to match or exceed inflation rates. In Neuquén, a major energy-producing province in Patagonia, the cost of living is historically high, making these negotiations crucial for the local economy.
The meeting, held at the Laffitte Room in the Government House, was attended by top provincial authorities and representatives from ATE (State Workers Association), UPCN (Civil Personnel Union of the Nation), and the UNAVP (Neuquino Union of Provincial Highway Agents). Each sector presented its specific needs to find the best paths for local workers.
General Secretary Carlos Quintriqueo highlighted the need to go beyond the quarterly update scheme based on the CPI (Consumer Price Index). The union seeks to implement a specific clause guaranteeing the recovery of purchasing power, considering that living in Neuquén is expensive.
Led by Luis Querci, the union focused on the calculation mechanism for salary increases, noting that the current formula could generate an accumulated loss they hope to correct through a technical debate.
Highway workers, represented by Carlos Roselli and Avelina Aravena, also added their observations to improve conditions in their specific sector.
A notable fact in this negotiating round is the absence of the teachers' union ATEN. The reason is encouraging: the union maintains an annual agreement signed in December 2025, which established a salary guideline with automatic updates based on the Consumer Price Index (IPC). This predictability mechanism was celebrated at the time and avoids the need to reopen negotiations mid-year.
The parties have agreed to meet again on July 28, 2026, to continue advancing towards an agreement that benefits provincial state workers and ensures the delivery of services to the community.
The meeting was headed by the Minister of Government, Women, and Human Rights, Jorge Tobares; the Secretary of Treasury and Finance, Carola Pogliano; the Undersecretaries of Government, Juan Grandi, and Human Resources, Juan González López; and the Senior Director of Labor Relations, Natalia Puppio. The Executive's intention is to study the demands to reach 2027 with a consolidated climate of social peace.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
