Argentian unions stage mass strikes against president

Argentina’s trade union federation, along with several social organizations, has organized a strike to protest regulations that seek to deregulate the economy and limit government spending

Argentine President Javier Milei strongly criticized the upcoming general strike scheduled for Wednesday, accusing its organizers of aiming to hold the country “in a state of underdevelopment, clinging to the past, and in decline.” 

The General Confederation of Labor (CGT) of Argentina, in conjunction with various social groups, has called for the strike to oppose a series of regulations proposed by Milei aimed at deregulating the economy and curbing public expenditure. 

Labor unions, the Peronist party that governed the country from 2019 to 2023, and other segments of the population are resisting these measures, staging successive demonstrations with the sound of banging pots to express their disapproval. 

In defense of his policies, Milei was quoted by local media on Monday, via government news agency Telam, as stating that there are “two distinct realities” in Argentina. He argued that a portion of the country desires to perpetuate “underdevelopment, a longing for the past, and a state of decline,” while his administration seeks to embrace “an alternative model” that will set Argentina on “a trajectory towards development.” 

Various labor unions, including those representing transportation, construction, and public sector workers, are participating in the general strike, with demonstrators planning to march to Congress to voice their demands. 

Nevertheless, public transportation is expected to operate until 7 p.m. local time to facilitate the movement of protesters to their intended destinations. 

In response, the government has announced that it will deduct a day’s wages from public sector employees who choose to participate in the strike and miss work. 

 Source: Newsroom