12 Sep 2018 | 02:25 AM UTC
Argentina: Education union to hold 48-hour strike September 12-13 /update 2
Public school teachers will stage a 48-hour strike on September 12-13 in six provinces, including Buenos Aires; public demonstrations and transportation disruptions possible
Event
Public school teachers will stage a 48-hour strike beginning Wednesday, September 12, forcing school closures on Wednesday and Thursday, September 13. The UTE union (Unión de Trabajadores de la Educación) is calling for strikes in six provinces (Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires City, Corrientes, Chaco, Santa Cruz, and Tierra del Fuego). A rally in front of the National Congress building in Buenos Aires is expected on Thursday. The strike coincides with a larger labor work stoppage and significant crowds and some street closures are expected. Further education strikes are possible in the coming weeks and months if negotiations remain stalled.
Context
The strike was announced following the dissolution of negotiations between the government and the UTE. Salary increases are a large aspect of the demands, as high inflation has exceeded the previously established rate of pay increases. UTE is also protesting the size of the education budget and poor building conditions.
Sociopolitical tensions are high in Argentina and protests are regularly organized to denounce economic issues and policies implemented by the government of President Mauricio Macri. Numerous teacher strikes have also taken place in recent months and years, notably in the province of Buenos Aires.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas should monitor the situation, anticipate transportation disruptions, and avoid public demonstrations as a precaution.
