On Wednesday, Argentina’s labor unions initiated a nationwide general strike against austerity and reforms proposed by President Javier Milei.
Thousands marched toward Buenos Aires’ Congress during the 12-hour strike, starting at 10 a.m. ET. The protest aimed to highlight workers’ grievances.
Milei initiated public spending cuts and proposed deregulation to ease privatization and remove business and consumer protections. Lawmakers need to support these measures.
The General Confederation of Labor (CGT) and social movements called the strike against Milei’s deregulation decree. An appeals court temporarily suspended part of it after a challenge by the CGT.
“This is not the Argentina that I want for my grandchildren or for the future of Argentina. Do you know that they are selling part of Argentina – that they are taking the best parts of the country?” a protester told CNN en Español, referring to the new measures to be imposed by Milei.
The strike has led to transport disruptions with flag carrier Aerolíneas Argentinas saying that it canceled all its operations on Wednesday. A total of “295 flights were canceled” and more than 20,000 passengers have been affected, it said, adding that “the total cost for the company of this measure will exceed $2.5 million.”
The Argentine general strike highlights deep-seated concerns about the direction of economic policy under Milei’s leadership.
Moreover, they seek meaningful dialogue with policymakers to address the root causes of economic instability and social unrest.
As the general strike unfolds, it poses significant challenges for the government and policymakers to respond effectively to workers’ demands.
Furthermore, it calls attention to the importance of fostering dialogue and collaboration between government officials, labor representatives, and civil society organizations.
Ultimately, the Argentine general strike serves as a wake-up call for meaningful reforms that promote social equity and economic stability.
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