The strike at the Los Arcos hotel, which has dragged on for more than 17 years, affecting the company, its workers, and the image of the city of La Paz, is an issue that became highly politicized. Although it was close to being resolved, it ultimately spiraled out of control, stated Paul Valdiviezo Pérez, president of COPARMEX in Baja California Sur.
He recalled that the strike began when the late owner of the company was a senator (Luis Coppola Joffroy of the PAN party) and the opposition was in power. However, with the shift to a left-wing government, “I think it was more a matter of suspicion, a political resentment, than anything that could have been negotiated, and that led to the situation escalating to the point where it got out of hand.”
He mentioned that the state Secretary of Labor, Omar Zavala, told him that the Los Arcos hotel problem was about to be resolved, “but I don’t know the current situation because, unfortunately, Mr. Coppola passed away, and obviously, his family has other interests.”
He said that some workers also died during the strike, and this is a matter that does damage La Paz’s tourist image because the building is located in the heart of the Malecón (boardwalk), an aging structure. The most viable option now is its demolition, so that an investor with a sound business vision can come in and revitalize it, but this requires significant political support.
He commented that given this negative publicity, the government might be the most interested in resolving the strike, but without the willingness of all parties involved, it will be difficult to achieve. Sometimes the prevailing attitude is “either sell it or let it rot,” a recurring theme in the Esterito area, where inheritance and will disputes discourage investment.
Paul Valdiviezo stated that it is necessary for all parties involved in the Los Arcos hotel strike to demonstrate goodwill and sound judgment in order to resolve the conflict. He emphasized the need for a willingness to reach an agreement with an investor, which could be the government itself, through expropriation or other means.
The state Secretary of Labor, Omar Zavala, stated that his office and the Conciliation Board have made every effort to find a solution to the conflict.
“Rulings have been issued, but the parties involved have rights and must exhaust their legal procedures, and ultimately, they are already at the federal level, meaning they are pursuing appeals and reviews.
“We have been in contact with both parties and have made progress; however, a solution has not yet been reached. We hope it will be as soon as possible. We are always open to dialogue between the parties, and they can reach an agreement at any time.
“There have been offers, some have been accepted, and there have been instances where they haven’t been able to reach an agreement, but we are working on it. We know it has been 17 years, but I believe that this conflict is very close to being resolved,” he concluded.
Source: oem
