CHILEAN POSTAL WORKERS THREATEN ACTION

The Chilean Postal Workers Federation has threatened action today,
Tuesday, in response to General Manager Jose Luis Mardones refusal
to meet with union representatives to discuss operational
irregularities in Valparaiso. The workers, backed by center-left Christian Democratic (PDC) Deputy
Maria Rozas, say there have been several strange occurrences since
Mardones was named general manager of the state-owned company last
January. The problems culminated in the Valparaiso workers strike,
in effect since June 8. The Valparaiso strike was sparked by the controversial firing of
union shop steward Juan Abarca. Mardones accused Abarca of not
reporting to work, but the Abarca says his absence was authorized. According to Dep. Rozas, Abarca was really laid off because he
shared information with authorities about post office problems
resulting from Mardones poor management. Raul Montero, Vice-President of the Chilean Postal Workers
Federation, announced the threat Sunday after his call for a meeting
between representatives of the government, company management and
postal workers was officially rejected. Mardones denies allegations made by workers that he plans to enact
massive layoffs as well as privatize the state-owned company. Rozas said Mardones professional history suggests he supports
privatization, calling him an exterminator of state-owned companies.
During his tenures as general manager of the state-owned National
Mining Company (Enami), the National Electric Company and the
Valparaiso Port Company, Mardones was an outspoken advocate of
turning over the companies to the private sector. *
Copyright 2001 CHIP News.
Source: World Reporter (Trade Mark).SANTIAGO TIMES, 17th July 2001