Santa Cruz: Serious incidents due to pension reforms

Rio Gallegos, December 29, 2011
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Serious incidents took place in the capital of Santa Cruz province between police and protesters trying to prevent a legislative session where congressmen would approve a raising of the retirement age.

The clashes began when a group of officials tried to enter the Legislature with custody to achieve a quorum. The protesters noticed the move and attacked them. Police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.

The incident threw several wounded including women police officers who fell into the fires that the protesters had ignited.

If the law is passed, which is part of the cuts provided by the economic emergency in which there is the province, the retirement age would be 60 years for women and 65 for men, rising ten years with respect to the current term.

Governor Daniel Peralta announced adjustments and blamed the teachers and oil workers unions of wanting “privileges at the expense of Santa Cruz people,” because the blocks to the oil fields led to losses of 403 million pesos.