Thousands attend celebration for salmon workers in Chile
Published
More than 5,000 people gathered at the Puerto Montt Arena in Chile this week to participate in the Salmon Workers’ Day celebration that brought together workers from processing plants, farms, supplier companies, and union leaders from Biobío to Magallanes, reports Fish Farming Expert’s Chilean sister site, Salmonexpert.cl.
The event, promoted by the Multisindical de Trabajadores Salmoneros (Multi-Union of Salmon Workers) with support from industry unions and companies, aimed to commemorate the march of May 26, 2023, considered a turning point in the defence of jobs in the sector.
It also served as a space for meeting, recognition, and solidarity in the face of the recent climate emergencies that affected Los Lagos Region.
Exceeded expectations
Multi-union president Alejandro Santibáñez said the turnout far exceeded expectations and sent a message to government.
“Today we are not just celebrating a special day; we are also calling for public policies to be built with us, on the ground, and not from offices in Santiago or Valparaíso,” said Santibáñez.
The multi-union’s secretary, Miriam Chávez, highlighted the role of working women in the commemoration.
“This date is very important to us because it was on May 26th [two years ago] that, as women, many of us took to the streets to defend our jobs. We are heads of households; many of us support our families. That's why when we announced at the assembly that we were going to commemorate this date, the rank and file were delighted. We feel that we finally have a day that recognises what that struggle meant and that it cannot be forgotten.”
Chávez said organisers coordinated with companies, their managers, and unions to facilitate shifts so workers could attend. “In Calbuco, for example, the afternoon shift was suspended, which is a significant factor, and that demonstrates the value we place on this event.”
Call for official recognition
Mauro González, who represents the area in Congress, said he had presented a motion to the parliament to officially recognise May 26 as Salmon Workers’ Day.
“Although the government has not yet responded favourably, we will insist, with this government or the next one, because it is a legitimate demand,” said the MP.
Carlos Odebret, president of the Magallanes Salmon Farmers Association, said: “May 26th is a very significant moment not only for the salmon farming industry, but for all of southern Chile. Seeing hundreds of workers, professionals, and technicians gathered together, all committed to defending their jobs, demonstrates that this is a unique event. I am pleased that it was held in Puerto Montt, because it also recognises the history and territorial importance of this activity.”
Family-friendly
Puerto Montt mayor Rodrigo Wainraihgt announced the loan of a venue for the permanent operation of the multi-union.
“This event is a concrete way to express our gratitude for the effort, commitment, and daily work of salmon farming workers in the city,” said Wainraihgt. “A few months ago, we met with their leaders, and they asked us for a meeting space, a place where they can train, meet, and organise. Today, that space exists, and we hope it will be co-financed by the Regional Government and the industry, with a strong sense of local belonging.”
The event at Arena Puerto Montt included performances by a comedian, and a Chilean cumbia group, and organisers said work is already under way to make next year’s celebration even more participatory and family-friendly, incorporating recreational activities for employees’ children, health fairs, and training opportunities.
“This is just the beginning. We want this date to be not only a commemoration, but also a time for meeting, reflection, and collective construction for the future of salmon farming,” Miriam Chávez said.
