1.
SV Closed shops (4 shots)
0.19

2.
SV People queuing at foodstore as goods unloaded
0.26

3.
GV People queuing at another store and CU of Shopping bags (3 shots)
0.43

4.
SV People leave store with goods
0.51

5.
SV PAN People queuing at another store
1.01

6.
CU PAN Road sign PAN TO Group of Peronists chanting slogans (2 shots)
1.20



Initials CL/1647 CL/1700



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Argentina's labour crisis has been all but resolved with the country's unions accepting pay increases averaging 45 percent. But the settlements came only after a week of heated debate and clashes which virtually brought the country to a standstill.

Grocers shut their shops, petrol stations closed because of a strike by petrol workers and transport came to a halt as the nation's unions pressed their case. The devaluation of the Peso in June by 50 percent brought about the troubles.

The Government set a deadline of July 19 for an end to wage negotiations. Many unions complained the talks were being drawn out by the Government so they would miss the deadline. To press for a quick settlement the union embarked on a campaign of lighting strikes. Shopkeepers closed down complaining that they could not earn enough to re-stock their shelves. They have been forced to work with maximum prices set by the Government for essential foods. The shopkeepers want the Government to end their price restrictions and threaten to remain closed for a week if it is not done.

SYNOPSIS: Another group unhappy with the Government's prices policy is the shopkeepers. They have had to work to a maximum price for goods imposed by the Government. The shopkeepers claim that they are not making enough profits now to re-stock their shelves. Stock they hold is being sold quickly as people fear a complete shutdown.

The shopkeepers say they will continue to close down until the Government lifts the maximum price on goods.

Before the announced settlement with the unions there were a number of protest marches by unionists. Some unions are sill not happy with the 45 percent wage settlement. They say it should have been high to match the 50 percent devaluation.