No Te Duermas spoke with Luis Velázquez, who is involved with the Camioneros union in La Matanza, about his candidacy for the position of Public Defender.
By Ariel Fassio
arielfassio@gmail.com
“I believe we need to provide answers. We need to make progress in certain strategic areas to be closer to the neighbors and, why not, help in managing the city. However, I believe that today, the 62 Organizations took the initiative to move forward in politics, not just support a candidate, but to be present and take on a leading role within the Workers’ Movement,” he stated.
Regarding Cristina’s candidacy to head the PJ (Peronist Party), Luis said, “We issued a statement supporting Cristina’s candidacy for president of the PJ. I think strategically we’re working with a group of comrades and leaders from La Matanza, and we’re advancing in political discussions. I believe this is the only solution we can offer to our workers and to the people of La Matanza. What’s missing in the PJ today is debate. We can’t shy away from it because within these discussions are the answers that will help us find a solution and create a Peronism that truly represents us.”
The Candidacy and Relationship with the Mayor
“We believe we’re qualified and that we have the best position and candidacy. We believe we can help from this place. That’s why we’re fully confident, and we have the support of many active players in La Matanza, such as the universities, the church, and local businesses. That’s why we believe we can reach this position and help. If it’s not our turn to take the role, we’ll help in other ways, always providing responses so that not only workers but also the citizens of La Matanza get answers to what they need.
Today, there’s a lot to be done in La Matanza. A lot of management is being left undone, and I believe we need to be closer to the citizens. This position of Public Defender is an area where not enough answers are being provided, and I think the citizens are asking for more support, especially in terms of security, the economy, and many other issues that the municipality isn’t addressing or doesn’t know how to manage.”
“We are Peronists. When I was a councilor, I was very critical within my block. I was critical of what was happening. We never stopped being critical, not just because we are part of the labor movement. Our criticism has always been constructive, never to divide or leave the block. We’re always in communication. I participate in the events the mayor organizes, but with a constructive and critical perspective. I think that’s healthy because it shows that everything isn’t perfect and that there are things that need improvement. We shouldn’t be afraid of discussion, and I think that will help us grow and bring a more representative Peronism,” he explained.
“As part of the labor movement, as the 62 Organizations, I think there are things that need to be improved, and we’re in the position of letting him, his cabinet, and his team know what they’re doing well and what they’re doing wrong. Until the 14th, there was time for candidates. I think, after talking with people from the commission, they will call each of the candidates to ask the necessary questions to see how we plan to manage the position if we’re chosen to lead the Public Defender’s Office. But I haven’t been called to the council yet. I think they will start calling in the next few days because the vote will be on the 28th.”
The Protest Measures by the Multisectoral Group
“Some unions are closer to others. We, as the 62, still don’t have a relationship with the social movements. That doesn’t mean we won’t sit down tomorrow or be called to hear what actions they plan to take, what their objectives are, and then the comrades or the 62’s Board of Directors will make decisions on whether to support or follow them. We also have our own agenda, our obligations, and we still have ongoing conflicts. We have a gathering coming up soon, and today the comrades representing Cristina Kirchner’s group are having a meeting at SMATA. That’s also something to be proud of. If we’re called or informed about the actions to take, I think there wouldn’t be any problem in supporting them.”
Regarding the position of the CGT (General Confederation of Labor), Velázquez said, “It’s very complex when we look at the national or even provincial level. We’ve distanced ourselves from that. As a La Matanza union leader, and as a truck driver, with a general secretary like Pablo, who is very critical, spontaneous, and likes to be on the streets, I work with colleagues from the food sector who don’t share that same stance.”
“At the national level, I think it’s very complicated. I believe the comrades need to take another look at the situation. Unity should be our only banner. After we’ve discussed everything that needs to be discussed, whether we’re on the streets or not, if you ask me what my general secretary thinks, we’ve historically been on the streets. We don’t have another DNA; we belong on the streets, by the side of those who need us the most,” he emphasized.
“In these long years, 30 years under Hugo Moyano’s leadership, we’ve built loyalty and dignity that represent us strongly. But that doesn’t mean that another union doesn’t have the same will or the same experience. That’s why it’s very complicated what’s happening with national unions. We hope that comrades will be wise and prudent, and we’ll get the answers needed to give workers what they need. Here in La Matanza, we’ve distanced ourselves from that.”
“We’re behind in wage negotiations compared to other unions. We’re very far from where we should be. For example, in December and January, with inflation over 170%, we’re falling behind. Right now, a truck driver isn’t earning what they should have been in Cristina’s time, when a basic salary was 1,500 dollars. Now, I can tell you it’s around 600 dollars. Cristina knew how to protect workers’ purchasing power, not just by negotiating salaries, but also by strengthening regional values,” he concluded regarding the Camioneros union.
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