SENASA workers’ strike disrupts Peruvian avocado and grape exports

Workers of the National Agrarian Health Service (SENASA) in Peru are on an indefinite strike in Arequipa and other regions of the country to protest against the non-compliance with salary increases that have been pending for 14 years. Edwin Mamani, regional secretary of the SENASA union in Arequipa, attributes the lack of compliance to the lack of effective management within the institution and calls for the replacement of the national SENASA head, Janios Miguel Quevedo, for failing to comply with the agreed agreements.

The union is also demanding the implementation of the 2016 arbitration award, which provides for a salary increase of 165 soles and a special bonus of 2,000 soles, as well as the updating and approval of a new pay scale. Mamani is calling on the exporters affected by the strike to intervene and demand a solution from the relevant ministry.

The strike, which involves 1,500 workers nationwide and 100 in the Arequipa region, threatens to significantly affect the export of important products such as grapes and avocados. SENASA plays a crucial role in Peru’s agricultural sector, as it is responsible for protecting and improving agricultural health, controlling and eradicating pests and diseases, and certifying agricultural products for export. The suspension of its activities could jeopardize the quality and safety of Peruvian agricultural products in international markets.

SENASA has taken measures to ensure the continuity of its activities in the 25 Executive Directorates and Care Centres throughout the country.

In a statement, the agency stressed that management has promoted dialogue and cooperation and recognized the efforts and commitment of its employees to maintain healthy agriculture. In addition, it explained that the strike was declared inadmissible by the Labor Administration Directorate-General Order No. 000133-2024-MTPE/2/14 of June 12, 2024.

Nevertheless, SENASA is convinced that dialogue is the way to reach a satisfactory agreement. The institution reiterated its commitment to the workers’ right to protest and called for the continuation of talks to find solutions that benefit the institution and its users.

Source: elbuho.pe / agroperu.pe