1.
TGV Demonstration massing through streets (2 shots)
0.13

2.
GV Office workers waving to protesters from windows
0.21

3.
SV Riot police standing by (2 shots)
0.34

4.
GV Demonstrators march towards Congress building
0.37

5.
GV PAN Congress building PAN TO Demonstration
0.44

6.
CU Union Secretary Rodriguez
0.51

7.
GV Demonstrators meeting
0.54

8.
SV Rodriguez leaving congress
1.01

9.
GV Demonstrators outside congress with banners
1.07



Initials



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: About 25,000 Argentine automobile mechanics marched through the streets of Buenos Aires on Wednesday (26 November) to protest against moves to integrate their union with the metalworkers' union (UOM)
The men are all members of the motor mechanics union (SMATA) and their demonstration, coupled with an illegal 24-hour strike, brought to a head the long-standing conflicts between the two unions.

The Argentine Ministry of Labour last week decided to fix separate wages for members of UOM who happen to be employed in the automobile industry.

This decision was immediately interpreted as divisive by SMATA officials. They fear UOM leader Lorenzo Miguel, official head of Peronist trade unions, is out to incorporate all mechanics under his union.

The protest march paralysed traffic in the centre of Buenos Aires. Demonstrators carried banners demanding freedom of choice and chanted slogans like "Long live Peron".

All demonstrations and strikes are currently banned in Argentina under state of seige regulations, but while squads of riot police and troops keep a close watch on the marchers, they took no action against them.

The demonstration dispersed peacefully after their leader, Jose Rodriguez, met government officials at the Argentine Congress.

SYNOPSIS: About twenty-five thousand Argentine automobile mechanics massed outside the Luna Park Stadium in Buenos Aires on Wednesday to begin a march through the city streets. The mechanics were protesting against moves to have their union (SMATA) integrated with the country's metalworkers' union (UOM).

The mechanics were on an illegal twenty-four hour strike and their march virtually paralysed traffic in the city centre. riot police stood by but took no action. It was a demonstration that brought to a head the long-standing conflict between the UOM and SMATA. Last week the Argentine Ministry of Labour decided to fix a special wage rate for UOM members who happen to be employed in the automobile industry. This move was immediately interpreted as divisive by SMATA officials.

The demonstrators dispersed peacefully after their leader Jose Rodriguez met with Government officials at the Congress.