Argentina: Unionized workers cancel strike planned for March 26-27 /update 1

Workers from the National Food Safety and Quality Service (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria, SENASA) who are affiliated with the Association of Government Workers (Asociacion de Trabajadores del Estado, ATE) have canceled plans to stage a 48-hour strike beginning March 26. The union is likely to reschedule the strike in the coming days to oppose the government's alleged plans to lay off workers; no date has been confirmed at this time. The work stoppage would likely impact exports and health and safety checks of animal and plant products, as SENASA is responsible for the regulation and surveillance of these at ports, airports, and customs.

An agreement has not been reached regarding the workers' demands. Therefore, new calls for a nationwide strike are likely.