13 Jun 2017 | 01:56 PM UTC
Argentina: Public sector and teacher strikes June 14 /update 1
Transportation and service disruptions possible due to public sector and teacher strikes June 14; protests and roadblocks likely
Event
A major public sector union (the ATE; Asociación de Trabajadores Estatales de Argentina) has called for a strike to be held on Wednesday, June 14, to demand the implementation of a “social emergency law.” Service disruptions are possible and related protests are planned across the country. Furthermore, teachers in Buenos Aires province will also be on strike on Wednesday to demand increased salaries. Street protests could result in significant traffic congestion throughout the day, particularly in the capital region.
Context
President Mauricio Macri has, ahead of previous strikes, announced that he would deploy security forces to prevent protesters from disrupting traffic on highways and major thoroughfares, increasing the likelihood of clashes between police and demonstrators.
The June 14 strike will be the latest in a series of anti-governmental protests in recent months, sparked by unpopular reforms, mass firings in the public sector, and economic hardships (notably poverty and rampant inflation). The public sector strike is being organized to demand the implementation of a “social emergency law,” which was approved by the congress in mid-December 2016 but has not been ratified by President Macri.
Advice
Individuals in Argentina are advised to keep abreast of protest plans via local media, avoid all protests, and never attempt to cross a roadblock without authorization.
