The World Today
Carlos Albisu Salto: What he said about dismissals, ADEOMS, and hate accusations
Salto Mayor Carlos Albisu defended the decision to move forward with the dismissal of 291 municipal workers and denied the existence of a "hate campaign" against the ADEOMS . The mayor asserted that the measure responds to technical and legal criteria, not political revenge.
Context of the mobilizations
The conflict erupted after the announcement that hundreds of employees would be laid off. ADEOMS responded with marches and rallies outside the municipality, demanding that the measure be reversed. Albisu stated that the union has the full right to express itself and that he understands the protests, but insisted that this is not a union attack or a gesture of revenge.
Carlos Albisu Salto and the municipal dismissals
According to the mayor, the dismissals are part of a review of irregularities in the City Hall. "There was a political game played with the needs and hopes of the people," he stated, pointing out that mistakes were made by the previous administration. He indicated that the legal department, along with Human Resources and Internal Audit, is working on each case to ensure the process complies with the law.
ADEOMS Salto and union demands
Albisu maintained that he respects ADEOMS's demands, but warned that the Municipality must "put its house in order." He reiterated that the intention is not to harm workers but rather to correct improper practices. "We are not vindictive, nor do we play on the hatred of others," he said in his speech at Nueva Hespérides Airport, during the inauguration of a new flight service to Montevideo.
Salto Intendancy and the legal process
The mayor emphasized that the layoff schedule will be determined by the municipality's legal department. The decision, he asserted, does not depend on political will but rather on technical reports. "I wish we and the workers wouldn't have to go through this," he added.
Union demands and the future of the conflict
The issue has the administration and the union on edge. ADEOMS announced it will continue mobilizing until it receives answers, while the Mayor's Office insists that the path is legal and that any solution must comply with the law.
Historical and administrative context
In Salto, the discussion over public employees' salaries is nothing new. Various administrations have faced complaints about hiring without competitive bidding or precarious employment relationships. The announcement of 291 dismissals once again puts the issue of how personnel is managed in the municipality on the agenda. Albisu stated that "there is no political revenge," but rather a thorough review of administrative acts. For the ruling party, the purge is necessary to avoid future litigation and to put the City Hall's accounts in order.
ADEOMS' response
The municipal workers' union, ADEOMS, rejected the official version and denounced the political motivations behind the dismissals. Demonstrations outside the municipal headquarters and throughout the city have multiplied in recent weeks. Union spokespersons maintain that many of those affected have been working for years and that the decisions disregard their contributions to public service. In open meetings, the workers warned that they would not rule out a general strike if the mayor's office moves forward without negotiations.
Political and social repercussions
The conflict had repercussions beyond the department. National opposition leaders criticized Albisu for "hitting the most vulnerable," while government officials supported him, arguing that the rule of law must prevail. Residents and social organizations, meanwhile, expressed divided opinions: some see the measure as a sign of transparency, while others believe the situation worsens job insecurity in the region. The local university announced it will monitor the socioeconomic impact that the dismissal of nearly 300 families could have.
