Strikes that had been planned by Argentina's customs worker union over the coming days have now been called off, following the Ministry of Labor's application of 'compulsory conciliation' measures. 

The union, Supara, last week announced it would carry out striking activities on July 10, 16 and 17, for the entirety of those working days, along with less severe action on July 11, 12, 18 and 19.

The compulsory conciliation will last for 15 days from July 10 and affects the conflict between Supara and the Federal Administration of Public Revenue (AFIA), who have been in a dispute over pay.

Supara believes customs workers have been unfairly excluded from AFIA's salary increases, which were given to other public sector workers. Local media reported the union is demanding a 27.8% pay rise.

The ministry's intervention was said to have been requested by the AFIA in order to avoid virtually paralyzing the country's export activities.

In a statement Supara said it accepted the terms of the conciliation period, but expressed concern it may be used to 'neutralize' its demands.

It added that should these concerns prove correct, it would immediately carry out harsher striking activities.

"We would like to highlight the unity, solidarity and organization demonstrated by workers in the face of this conflict," Supara said.

Argentina's Chamber of Exporters and the National Food Health and Quality Service (Senasa) had also reportedly requested the intervention from the Ministry of Labor.

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