Metro delegates called for a new subway strike on Monday the 4th due to the "health crisis" in the sector.
The Subway and Premetro Workers' Union (AGTSyP-Metrodelegados) announced a strike on all subway lines for next Monday, the 4th, between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Union officials initiated the strike following the death of a Line D worker from lung cancer, which was believed to be linked to asbestos exposure.
"Walter Berhovet was on the list of 114 workers affected by asbestos recognized by the Superintendency of Occupational Risks ," Metrodelegados said in a statement. "The death of our colleague fills us with sadness and indignation because it could have been avoided: asbestos has been banned in Argentina since 2003, despite this, for many years we worked in the stations without being informed of the presence of this material ," they denounced.
ANOTHER ASBESTOS DEATH ON THE SUBWAY We at AGTSyP regret to announce that on Monday, August 4, we will carry out self-defense measures consisting of the interruption of service on all subway and premetro lines between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Walter Berhovet… pic.twitter.com/MSuzH9uKwC
The union asserted that the company and its authorities "denied this until it was proven that the CAF 5000 trains contained the carcinogenic material used as insulation, in addition to being present in other fleets and facilities." In this regard, they urged authorities to "urgently ensure a replacement of the units containing asbestos and accelerate decontamination efforts," in addition to requesting that workers and retired workers be incorporated into Medical Surveillance.
"This is the fifth time we have to mourn the death of a colleague due to asbestos exposure. We do not want to continue mourning preventable deaths; no one should lose their life because of their work," they emphasized. Despite the union's statements, the company distanced itself from Berhovet's death and stated that it was due to "preexisting conditions."
"At Emova, we regret the passing of Walter Berhovet, who worked as a specialized driver on Subway Line D, and we extend our condolences to his family and friends," the company said in a statement. The statement also indicated that the driver " was hospitalized due to a clinical picture associated with a pre-existing medical condition, with a complex progression, and with no conclusive clinical evidence to date that would allow us to establish a direct relationship between his health and his work history ."
The union revealed that more than 110 workers have already been diagnosed with conditions related to the toxic material, creating "a true underground health crisis." While the strike will last from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Polvorín, Lacarra, Canning, and Constitución workshops will stop work from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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