According to the LAB union, employees have decided to strike due to the company's failure to rectify identified deficiencies in workplace prevention, safety, and health. This situation, the union states, jeopardizes the health and lives of the workers themselves.
Between August 8, 2025, and March 31, 2026, several workplace accidents have occurred at Estaños Matiena. Among these, an accident on January 31 resulted in the death of a young worker. Employees have stated that these incidents are not mere statistics but reflect a dangerous work environment.
These figures are not mere records to inflate a cruel statistic, but a reflection of an ecosystem that puts the health and very lives of workers at risk.
The union emphasized that the company has disregarded workers' attempts to organize prevention, improve safety, and comply with occupational health regulations. Instead, the company has responded with "threats, authoritarian attitudes, and a lack of transparency," withholding information and denying the rights of worker representation.
Workers have long reported various risks, including poor machinery condition, lack of maintenance, and the health impact of chemicals used. The fatal accident earlier this year escalated the situation, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen preventive measures. The company has reportedly failed to take necessary steps to ensure worker health and safety, acting with "bad faith and opacity" in its dealings with employee representatives.
Furthermore, the company allegedly "threatened" a LAB union representative, stating it would initiate legal action if information was made public. Workers believe the company's policy is "contrary to basic prevention principles," directly endangering their safety and health. Consequently, they will strike, asserting that health, prevention, and safety cannot be secondary concerns.
