Argentina: Labor unions announce strikes September 12-25 /update 1

Event

Labor unions in Argentina will participate in several strikes and protests throughout September. On Wednesday, September 12, members of the public sector workers union ATE (Asociación Trabajadores del Estado) will conduct a 24-hour strike and are calling for roadblocks and public rallies. Social organizations will also serve meals from "public pots" on Wednesday. Teachers' unions will also hold a 48-hour strike on Wednesday and Thursday, September 13. Two weeks later, the CTA trade union (Central de Trabajadores de la Argentina) will hold a march to the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires beginning at noon (local time) on Monday, September 24. This will also kick off a 36-hour strike in conjunction with the CGT (Confederación General de Trabajo) labor union. Other smaller unions, such as the ATE, metro subway union, university workers, energy workers, and various splinter groups, will also participate in the strike on September 24 and Tuesday, September 25. Previous strikes disrupted key daily activities, such as banking and transportation. Such disruptions, along with roadblocks and public rallies, are likely on the dates mentioned above.

Context

CGT is the largest labor union in the country; one in five employees in Argentina, and two thirds of unionized workers, belong to CGT.

Labor unions have staged several rallies and strikes in recent months to protest the country's economic condition and recent policies. 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.

Advice

Individuals in Argentina, particularly in Buenos Aires, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, prepare for disruptions to daily life on the days of the strikes, and avoid public gatherings as a precaution.