07 May 2024 | 06:07 PM UTC
Argentina: Labor unions to stage nationwide 24-hour general strike May 9
Labor unions to stage 24-hour general strike in Argentina May 9. Significant transport and business disruptions likely; protests possible.
Labor unions across Argentina plan to hold a 24-hour nationwide general strike on May 9. The purpose of the industrial action to protest the policies of President Javier Milei's administration, especially the Omnibus Bill currently being debated in Congress. The General Confederation of Labor (Confederacion General del Trabajo, CGT) is leading the work stoppage, although numerous other workers organizations will participate. The walk-out will almost certainly prompt significant transport and business disruptions.
Employees of Aerolineas Argentinas (AR), as well as members of the Airline Pilots Association (Asociacion de Pilotos de Lineas Aereas, APLA), will participate in the strike, likely causing major flight disruptions at airports across Argentina. Public transport, including rail, subway, and bus services, will also probably experience significant disruptions. Most classes at public schools will also be canceled, with banks and multiple government offices remaining closed May 9.
Although some labor leaders have asked union members and supporters not to demonstrate on May 9, strike-related protests remain possible. Members of the Buenos Aires Press Union (Sindicato de Prensa de Buenos Aires) plan to rally outside the offices of state-owned news agency Telam on Bolivar Street starting at 12:00. Rallies and marches are are possible at other locations, especially near the country's Congress and Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires.
Strike-related transport disruptions are possible May 8-10 as carriers implement contingency plans in the lead-up to the strike and reposition rolling stock and aircraft after the action ends. Heightened security is likely near government offices and main roads, even if no major demonstrations materialize. Clashes between protesters and police are possible during any gatherings that do occur.
Reconfirm air and ground travel arrangements if booked to travel to, from, or in Argentina May 8-10; do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed. Reschedule business appointments slated for May 9, if necessary. Avoid any demonstrations that may materialize.
The Omnibus Bill, also known as the Framework Law (Ley de Bases), is one of the main projects of the Milei administration. It includes a large number of reforms to deregulate the country's economy, allowing the national government to privatize state-owned companies. It also declares a financial public emergency for one year, allowing the government to enforce a number of measures without legislative support.
The bill has 232 articles, but it is significantly smaller than the initial proposal from the government, which contained over 600 articles. The bill in its original form was debated and voted down in early 2024 but, after a series of changes, the Chamber of Deputies approved it in late April, passing it to the Senate for possible ratification.
Unions and opposition parties are likely to continue demonstrating and calling for strikes in the coming weeks and months, as tensions with the government continue to grow and a significant improvement in the economy is unlikely in the short-term.
The ruling Liberty Advances (La Libertad Avanza, LLA) party has only 36 of the 257 members of the Chamber of Deputies, but alliances with other center-right and centrist parties and coalitions, mainly Republican Proposal (Propuesta Republicana, PRO) of former President Mauricio Macri, and Radical Civic Union (Union Civica Radical, UCR), have allowed the approval of this and other government legislative proposals.
