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ALPESCAS Urges Resolution in Labor Conflict Threatening Uruguayan Industrial Fishing

URUGUAY
Sunday, July 06, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

The Latin American Alliance for Sustainable Fishing and Food Security (ALPESCAS) has issued strong backing for Uruguay's industrial fishing sector amid a labor dispute triggered by the union's disregard for a valid collective agreement. The conflict threatens 2,000 jobs and supply chain stability.

MONTEVIDEO – The Latin American Alliance for Sustainable Fishing and Food Security (ALPESCAS), which brings together the main Chambers and Associations of the Fishing Industry in Latin America, has expressed its solidarity with Uruguay's industrial fishing sector and issued an urgent call for the resolution of the conflict facing it with the National Union of Sea and Related Workers (SUNTMA).

The controversy originated from SUNTMA's decision to disregard a collective agreement signed in 2024 between the union and the Uruguayan Fishing Industry Chamber (CIPU), along with the Uruguayan Fishing Vessel Owners' Chamber (CAPU). This agreement remains fully in force until 2027 and had the endorsement of the competent authorities at the time. This accord was designed with the intention of contributing to the country's economic, social, and environmental development.

Direct Impact on Jobs and Supply

In April of this year, the union took unilateral measures that resulted in the paralysis of fishing operations, generating an immediate and significant impact. An estimated 2,000 people have been left unemployed, affecting both the fishing fleet and onshore processing plants.

This interruption has not only halted the supply of seafood to the domestic market but has also compromised exports, harming internal consumption and jeopardizing the food security of the Uruguayan population. The current situation seriously threatens the stability and future of the country's industrial fishing.

ALPESCAS Backs Legality and Calls for Dialogue

Given this scenario, ALPESCAS has explicitly supported the actions promoted by CIPU and CAPU —both members of the Alliance—, focused on the fulfillment of the collective agreement. The organization has directly urged SUNTMA to respect the agreed-upon terms, underscoring the importance of avoiding an escalation of conflicts that would undermine the comprehensive development of the fishing sector and the national economy.

Processing plants are suffering the impact of not having raw materials. Photo: Alpescas/AME

Furthermore, the Alliance has requested prompt intervention from the Uruguayan authorities to ensure compliance with the aforementioned agreement. ALPESCAS has positively valued the willingness to dialogue shown by the Uruguayan fishing industry with union leaders and authorities, with the aim of finding solutions that benefit both the sector and society.

ALPESCAS reiterates its conviction that Latin American and global fishing, when properly and sustainably managed, is an undeniable source of highly nutritious food, generating abundant jobs and essential income for the well-being of the population. Therefore, the Alliance actively promotes the sustainable development of resources with industrial potential and all related activities.

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