Ushuaia, Argentina – Educators and provincial leaders in tierra del Fuego convened Thursday for urgent talks addressing key concerns within the region’s public education system. The Unified Union of Education Workers of Tierra del Fuego (SUTEF) initiated the meeting with Governor Gustavo Melella and Education Minister Analía Cubelli, seeking resolutions on issues ranging from teacher salaries and school funding to ongoing labour disputes. Several commitments were made by the provincial government, though critical questions surrounding strike-day pay deductions remain unresolved as the union pursues legal action.
Ushuaia, Argentina – The Unified Union of Education Workers of Tierra del Fuego (SUTEF) met with provincial officials in Ushuaia on Thursday following a request for an urgent meeting with the Governor and the Minister of Education. The meeting addressed several key concerns raised by the union, resulting in commitments from the provincial government on issues ranging from salary negotiations to school funding and teacher support.
One major point of discussion centered on salary negotiations for 2026. SUTEF advocated for annual negotiations with clauses guaranteeing a minimum, vital, and mobile wage, as outlined in Article 14 bis of the National Constitution and Article 116 of the Labor Contract Law. According to officials, the provincial government indicated that the 2026 parity table would begin during the second half of January.
The union also pressed for a comprehensive financing law for the provincial education system. The government stated that approval of a transfer of YPF to Terra Ignis in the legislature would generate resources for both education and health. Following that approval, the government pledged to consult with the union on a draft bill for educational financing that it intends to submit to the legislature.
Addressing concerns about household debt, SUTEF requested a realistic debt relief plan for families. The Governor stated that they are collaborating with the new authorities of the Bank of Tierra del Fuego (BTF) to develop a plan for both bank and non-bank debt relief.
The status of exceptional classroom hours, governed by Article 7º of Law 761, was also discussed. The Governor committed to reviewing recent reductions in these hours and their impact on the current school year. This commitment comes after SUTEF requested the continuation of these hours until the end of the academic cycle.
SUTEF raised concerns about cuts to hours and specific payments for socio-educational programs, particularly within the Provincial Directorate of Physical Education. They argued that the cuts were unfair given the year-round work of educators in that department. The Governor indicated that the matter would be analyzed. The government did guarantee the continuation of the Popular School of Gender, Dissidences, Masculinities, and Social Change.
Regarding the Popular Culture Center, officials affirmed that the process of formalizing positions would continue, and the relevant decree is currently undergoing legal review. The government also assured SUTEF that its proposed educational transformation project would not involve cuts, but rather an expansion of public offerings and a review of funding for private education to strengthen the public system.
The provincial government expressed interest in reviewing a proposed implementation plan for a teacher ranking system before moving forward. However, no response was provided regarding deductions for strike days. SUTEF reported that they have filed an injunction in court regarding these deductions and are awaiting a response in the coming days.
Finally, SUTEF voiced strong opposition to the current management of agreements with the Tierra del Fuego State Social Work (OSEF) as new officials are set to take office. The union also reiterated the need for increased investment in public health. The outcome of these discussions underscores the ongoing efforts to address critical issues within the Tierra del Fuego education system.
SUTEF urged all educators to stay informed through official union channels and actively participate in collective decision-making.
SUTEF along with the teaching staff – always!
