News

On April 15th, a large delegation of UNI Americas was received by the new Minister of Labour and Social Security of Uruguay, Ernesto Murro. UNI’s brothers and sisters travelled to Montevideo to attend the Regional Steering Council, which was held the day before.

Given his life experience, Ernesto Murro is an example to follow: School teacher, imprisoned for five years by the military dictatorship, timber factory worker for 15 years and union leader of the sector. For nine years (throughout the government of "Pepe" Mujica) he was the head of the Social Security Department. Less than two months ago he was appointed Minister of Labour and Social Security of the Republic.

The Minister provided ample information to the delegation. He explained that since the victory of the first government of the Frente Amplio, collective bargaining in Uruguay became mandatory by sector and by industry. Today, 95% of negotiations are tripartite. Recently included were the sectors of domestic and rural workers.

Ernesto was interested in the various sectors represented in UNI, and pointed out the importance of the postal service in Uruguay which is the only entity with the power to certify digital signatures. He also spoke of the significant development of the audiovisual and information industries in the country, and advised UNI to conduct research in these areas.

“The No a la baja campaign (no to lowering the age of criminal responsibility) carried out by youth was a moving experience; a thought-provoking youth campaign across political parties" said Ernesto while speaking to representatives of UNI Americas Youth Committee present at the meeting, also referring to plans on Youth Employment and Training.

The Minister expressed special interest in the bilateral agreements that Uruguay has been discussing with the United States on social security, with the objective of protecting the 50,000 Uruguayan workers living in the United States and also the growing presence of American professionals who come to work in Uruguay, stressing that the labour movement should have a key focus on migration.

Adriana Rosenzvaig thanked the Minister for his direct intervention in the Enjoy-Conrad conflict. "Given his involvement, most of the workers were reinstated to their jobs," said the Regional Secretary.

"Our meeting with the Minister was extremely interesting. Considering Ernesto’s bond with the Uruguayan labour movement and his knowledge, experience and commitment, any country would be proud to have a Minister of Labour like him," stated Jim Sauber, President of UNI Americas Post & Logistics. "I am particularly interested in the efforts being made in Uruguay to ensure the protection of social security for workers who have spent part of their lives working outside their countries of origin. Undoubtedly, the American unions are going to support this initiative for a bilateral agreement with the United States to ensure the protection of thousands of Uruguayans and American workers in the respective countries" he added.

The delegation left the Minister’s office with great satisfaction and key points to develop further.