Union Chairwoman Claudette Etnel made it clear that “enough is enough” and that the workers have waited for a long time for a response from the government regarding the problems within this state company. On April 13th the union had sent a letter to request a meeting with the president. It still has not received an official response which is why it decided to go to the Office of the President. “We have waited too long,” said Etnel. The delegation was welcomed by the director of the Office of the President because the president was absent. The director accepted the petition and will deliver it to the president. The union which expects to receive an answer soon explained that several problems such as the delay in salary raises, medical benefits for workers and their families, the lack of a skilled director and the unclear status of the company are mentioned in the petition. What is the status of the company and what does that mean for us as workers? An acting director was appointed and there is also a board of directors but that is not enough to guarantee continuity,” said Etnel. The union has given the government two weeks to respond. If the government fails to respond, it will opt for a different course of action.

“We so not want to really in the streets but it could happen if we do not have any other way out,” said Etnel who made it clear that union officials also want the union to be given the recognition that it deserves. The union also wants the negotiations aimed at reaching a new collective labor agreement to be resumed. Vice President Gregory Rusland who also received the petition assured the union that he is aware of the problems at Grassalco but emphasized that the details must be discussed with the minister. He also explained that state companies must be evaluated and strengthened so that they can generate income for the state.