ATE and Neuquén's government enter their third wage meeting without agreement on the increase for roughly 68,000 public employees. The union rejects an inflation-only formula and wants an additional recovery component.
ATE leader Carlos Quintriqueo says matching future inflation does not repair accumulated losses. The government must decide whether to offer a permanent sum, an extra percentage or another mechanism across salary grades.
Ministers Jorge Tobares, Juan Grandi and Carola Pogliano will negotiate, but Economy Minister Guillermo Koenig and Governor Rolando Figueroa hold the final decision. The figure affects the entire public wage structure.
UPCN and road workers are watching, and teachers' union ATEN may seek an urgent meeting. An extra concession could therefore spread demands across sectors with different pay scales.
The wage dispute sits alongside concerns over buildings, hiring competitions and staff shortages. ATE wants those issues retained, while the government must balance services, vacancies and finances.
The July 30 meeting must produce a number or formal offer. An inflation-only proposal keeps the conflict open; an additional recovery measure requires clear scope and funding.
