The governor of Buenos Aires province Daniel Scioli today passed by decree an increased minimum wage for new police officers, as well as other benefits. Some officials, however, kept up a vocal protest in the provincial capital La Plata demanding higher remuneration.
A group of officers speaking on behalf of protesters dismissed the new rates and vowed to remain on the streets until their demands of a 12,000 basic salary were met.
The decree was announced by Buenos Aires Cabinet Chief Alberto Pérez, who underlined the government’s desire to put an end to the dispute.
«This decree confirms the governor’s decision so that every police agent at the start of their career, without seniority bonuses, takes home 8570 pesos in their pocket,» he explained.
Pérez also called on police leaders to recognise the province’s compromise, and react by restoring order to officers.
«This effort that the government and all of society is making should be replicated by the entire Police Force, an institution that in the majority is carrying out its duties.»
For his part, Governor Scioli had earlier called on security forces to not leave regular citizens unprotected.
«Policemen bear a bigger responsibility than a common worker,” he said adding “they cannot hold society hostage.”
While most of the Buenos Aires Police Force accepted the offer – «98 percent of police stations are working normally», according to Scioli – a group of protesters dismissed the new rates and vowed to remain on the streets until their demands of a 12,000 basic salary were met.
buenosairesherald.com