Cordoba: assembly of Sol Bus drivers paralyzes the service of lines of corridor 7

Drivers affiliated with Sol Bus have halted nearly all services on corridor 7 of Córdoba’s urban passenger transport system following an assembly organized over concerns regarding hygiene and safety conditions. The disruption affects lines 71, 72, 74, 75, and 76, according to reports from Mitre Córdoba. The strike began on Friday and has left many residents without access to these key routes through the city. The union representative, Pablo Farías of the Unión de Trabajadores Automotores (UTA), confirmed the action was taken due to unsafe working conditions. He stated that the drivers had previously raised concerns with the Ministry of Labor and the Secretariat of Labor, but received no response. According to Farías, the company continues to ignore these issues, leading to further violations of health and safety standards. Farías cited specific examples of dangerous practices within the company. He mentioned that workers were sent to repair electrical systems using ladders from buses without proper harnesses or other safety equipment. This, he argued, demonstrates both the lack of responsibility on the part of the company and the inadequate safety measures provided to its employees. He criticized the new management of Sol Bus, noting that despite being given time to adjust to their operations, they failed to provide necessary security and job stability for the workers. “We needed some form of security and stability in our jobs,” Farías said, “but not under these conditions.” The duration of the protest remains uncertain. Farías explained that the assembly would continue until the last remaining worker on duty finishes their shift. After that, an informational meeting will be held to determine the next steps. When asked whether the strike could last three or four hours, he responded that the length would depend on the outcome of the assembly and the resolution of safety-related issues. According to Farías, the assembly will not end until the company ensures safe working conditions for all personnel, including inspectors, drivers, administrative staff, and cleaners. If these conditions are not met, the union will not allow work to resume. The protest comes amid broader political discourse in Córdoba, where local politicians have been addressing issues related to labor rights and social policies. A Cordoban deputy recently commented on President Javier Milei's approach to economic reforms, suggesting that his rhetoric often relies on misogynistic undertones to mask failures in his policy framework. Meanwhile, another local figure, Liliana Montero, addressed similar themes, emphasizing that women should not be considered a variable for adjustment within the pension system. Her comments reflect ongoing discussions about gender equality and fair treatment in public policy. The situation highlights growing tensions between labor unions and private companies operating in Argentina’s transportation sector. These disputes often center around workplace safety, fair wages, and the right to organize. As the current standoff unfolds, it remains to be seen how quickly the company will address the concerns raised by the drivers and whether this incident will lead to broader changes in labor practices across the region.