"We condemn ETEX’s behavior in Argentina and we support FOCRA in its efforts to protect jobs,"stated BWI general Secretary, Ambet Yuson. 540 workers lost their jobs in different plants in Argentina as part of a process of unethical economic restructuring. ETEX, the Belgian multinational, which produces ceramics, cladding and building boards among other materials, has violated the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises as an example of corporate greed.
In Argentina, the ETEX group owned Ceramica San Lorenzo, which in the last year has been engaged in a process of unethical economic restructuring.
The Etex Group has violated the OECD Guidelines for its failure to consult and cooperate with trade unions. It failed to provide timely and accurate information on the financial situation of the company; it did not respect the right to collective bargaining by avoiding constructive negotiations and failed to carry out its due diligence.
Around 540 workers lost their jobs in different plants in Argentina as part of a process of unethical economic restructuring.
Juan Moreyra, General Secretary of Branch 4 from the Ceramic Workers’ Union of the Republic of Argentina (FOCRA) stated: "Ceramic workers in Argentina are over 40 years old, they have a particular skill-set which is not easily transferable, and the current economic climate in Argentina does not contribute to finding a new job easily, especially in the provinces where jobs have been lost."