Argentina: Buenos Aires subway service disruptions December 28

Event

The Asociación Gremial de los Trabajadores de Subte y Premetro (AGTSyP) union launched a strike that suspended service on Line B of the Buenos Aires Underground (subway) at 00:00 (local time) on Thursday, December 28. The ongoing strike is estimated to affect an estimated 334,000 passengers who regularly ride on Line B, on average, including those in the Villa Urquiza, Chacarita, Villa Crespo, Almagro, and Estación Once areas. 

The strike will reportedly last until the union's demands are met; it is yet unclear when regularly scheduled service will resume. Continued disruptions on Line B of the Buenos Aires subway system are expected in the coming hours.

Context

AGTSyP launched the strike on Thursday because Metrovías, the company which operates the Buenos Aires Underground, allegedly intended to fire an employee who has a disabled child. AGTSyP also cited other grievances against Metrovías as motivations for the strike, including Metrovías' alleged anti-union actions, arbitrary penalties supposedly given to subway workers, and for allegedly pressing subway workers to resign from their positions.

Advice

Individuals in Buenos Aires area are advised to monitor developments, to anticipate transportation disruptions, and to allow extra time to reach their destinations. The status of subway service can be found here. Expect increased traffic congestion as commuters increase demand for other modes of transportation (e.g. taxis, etc.).