Argentina: Unionized workers to strike March 26-27

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) plan to stage a 48-hour strike beginning March 26. The work stoppage will 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. The action is to oppose the government's alleged plans to lay off workers.

Organizers have not confirmed plans for any protests; however, demonstrations associated with the strike are possible on March 26-27. Heightened security is likely near any protests, as are localized transport and business disruptions. Unless the action is averted, it would probably lead to significant disruptions and delays of control services for the import and export of animal or plant products.