13 Jun 2017 | 01:56 PM UTC
Argentina: Public sector strike on June 14
Transportation and service disruptions possible due to public sector strike on June 14; protests and roadblocks likely
Event
A major public sector union (the ATE; Asociación de Trabajadores Estatales de Argentina) has called for a strike to be held on Wednesday, June 14. While it is unclear how significant of an impact the strike will have, major service disruptions are possible. Additionally, associated street protests could result in significant traffic congestion, particularly in the Buenos Aires region. President Mauricio Macri has, ahead of previous strikes, announced that he would deploy security forces to prevent protesters from disrupting traffic on highways and major thoroughfares, increasing the likelihood of clashes between police and demonstrators.
Context
The June 14 strike will be the latest in a series of anti-governmental protests in recent months, sparked by unpopular reforms, mass firings in the public sector, and economic hardships (notably poverty and rampant inflation).
Advice
Individuals in Argentina are advised to keep abreast of protest plans via local media, to avoid all protests, and to never attempt to cross a roadblock without authorization.