Overview

• The August 1 pact between SOMU and fishing associations ends a four-month freeze that left 111 langostino vessels idle across Mar del Plata, Puerto Madryn and Puerto Deseado.
• Under the deal crews will operate under a 70/30 non-remunerative/remunerative split with a 9% wage deduction covering fixed pay and production rates, representing about a 12% cut in productivity compensation.
• Fishing companies had pushed for a 30% reduction in production-based pay as world langostino prices slid nearly 3% for whole product and 5.6% for tails.
• Landings fell from 125,500 tonnes in the first seven months of 2024 to 62,000 tonnes by July 22, leaving about 600 workers in Mar del Plata without activity.
• Earlier deals with SICONARA, Capitanes and SUPA unions and a stevedore wage freeze paved the way for the final SOMU agreement that industry leaders say will help sustain plants, jobs and export revenues.