02 Apr 2018 | 07:06 PM UTC
Argentina: Public sector strikes in Buenos Aires province April 5 /update 1
Multiple unions to stage a 24-hour strike in Buenos Aires province April 5; teachers, public health, and judicial branch workers to suspend work
Event
Multiple public sector unions have called for a 24-hour strike to take place across Buenos Aires province on Thursday, April 5. Teachers, public health workers, and judicial branch workers are notably participating in the strike, suspending academic classes and disrupting the provision of health and other public services; minimal levels of service, however, will be maintained at health facilities during the strike. In addition to the strike, participating teachers plan to march to the office of the provincial governor in La Plata from different areas of the province. An increased security presence and localized transportation disruptions are to be anticipated.
Context
The groups are protesting low salaries, forced retirement, and massive public employee layoffs. Since December, over 1000 state employees have been let go, and the government recently announced tentative plans to force 3000 teachers into early retirement and slash the annual retirement pension by 40 percent.
Advice
Individuals in Buenos Aires province are advised to anticipate longer waiting times and confirm appointments at hospitals and clinics, expect disruptions to public services, and to avoid demonstrations as a precaution.
