MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Organized labour leader Moyano admits “inflation in Argentina is a problem”

Argentine low-paid workers spend 80% of their salaries in food, said Moyano

Argentina’s organized labour leader Hugo Moyano admitted Wednesday that “inflation in Argentina is a problem”. He also said that, despite the several criminal cases open against him, he is not afraid of going to jail.

“An 80% of the workers’ lowest salaries is spent on food. No one is making this up. This inflation doesn’t help anyone, not the workers nor business leaders” Moyano explained.

During a conference at the Belgrano University, the leader of the powerful CGT labour confederation assured that he will support Buenos Aires province Governor Daniel Scioli’s potential re-election campaign and shot down rumours that he may be considering running for public office.

“Those who think I need political privileges are wrong. My conscience is clear and God is the only one I’m afraid of” he stated.

Moyano then said that he publicly supports Scioli, since he is “the governor is the one in best condition to run the province”. Buenos Aires province concentrates over 35% of Argentina’s electorate and is crucial for any presidential bid.

The union leader also rejected the possibility that one of his sons may be running for office. “Pablo is not interested in politics and Facundo’s eventual candidacy is not up to me,” he assured.

As to the several criminal cases opened against him, Moyano ironically said it was more probable that “’Lita’ Carrio becomes pregnant than I end up in jail”. Lawmaker Ms Carrió leads an opposition group in Congress and with Moyano are declared enemies.

Regarding the recent death of trucker Gustavo González, which led to the Buenos Aires City recent refuse collectors’ protest that blocked downtown, Moyano said that it was “an unfortunate event that no one could have avoided”.

The 33-year old worker suffered a stroke last Friday and had to wait at his house over 16 hours until an ambulance arrived to assist him. As a truck driver he was supposed to receive medical attention from the truckers’ union health care scheme. Moyano’s family has undisputed control over the truckers’ union and all its linked organizations such as health services.

Gonzalez family accused the Truckers' Union health care system of malpractice and negligence, and demanded for an official explanation from Moyano himself, blocking traffic in downtown Buenos Aires during rush hour hoping he would contact them.