Argentina: Labor union calls for general strike September 25

Event

Argentina's largest labor union, Confederación General de Trabajadores (CGT), announced on Wednesday, August 29, that it is planning a nationwide general strike for September 25. The 24-hour strike would be the second such protest this year and is in response to country's struggling economic performance as well as President Mauricio Macri's economic policies. As of Friday, August 31, the extent of the strike is not yet known, as not all trade unions were present at the CGT meeting. Two other trade unions will hold a 36-hour strike a day prior on September 24. The previous CGT strike disrupted key daily activities, including banking and transportation.

Context

President Mauricio Marci announced on August 29 that Argentina would accept a USD 50 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The economy has been characterized by inflation and currency devaluation. In 2018, the peso has lost more than 40 percent of its value, including a sharp 8.15 percent drop on Wednesday alone, and the country's stock market has lost 17 percent.

Advice

Individuals in Argentina are advised to monitor developments to the situation, prepare for disruptions to daily life on the day of the strike, and avoid public gatherings as a precaution.