Fernando Hansen, a representative of the AMS casino workers' union in Necochea, has rejected a proposal put forward by opposition council members seeking to amend the recently approved ordinance authorizing the auction of the city's Casino Complex.He warned that any changes would delay a process workers view as urgent for job security.
Hansen said the proposed modifications fail to take workers' concerns into account and could discourage potential investors by reopening a framework that had already received broad political backing. He emphasized that prolonging the process would only extend uncertainty for casino employees.
He said: "Everything that delays the auction, we will repudiate."
The amendment initiative was submitted days after Municipal Ordinance 12.009/25 was approved in early December with 18 of 20 council votes, formally authorizing the auction of the Casino Complex.
Under the proposed changes, auction winners would be required to begin demolition or restoration work within 180 days of adjudication, with non-compliance resulting in the loss of municipal tax exemptions. The proposal would also restrict commission-based purchases, limit the transfer of sale certificates without explicit City Council authorization and establish joint liability between assignors and assignees.
Additional provisions would limit tax exemptions exclusively to original purchasers and require all auction proceeds to be allocated to a newly created Historical Reparation Fund for Necochea. The fund would be overseen by a special commission comprising representatives from all political blocs, tasked with defining priority public works and services subject to council approval.
While the original ordinance passed with strong council support, opposition groups argue that shifting political dynamics could allow amendments to move forward, potentially reopening debate over the auction framework. Hansen said provincial authorities, including the Lottery and Casino Institute, have been informed of the union's position.
Necochea's Judicial Department of the Colegio de Martilleros y Corredores Públicos has opened a registry for licensed auctioneers and public brokers interested in overseeing the auction
