Argentina: Public sector union plans nationwide strike April 11

Event

The ATE public sector union is planning to hold a nationwide strike on Wednesday, April 11, notably in the capital city of Buenos Aires. In Buenos Aires, union leaders have announced plans to stage a demonstration at the intersection of Avenida de Mayo and Avenida 9 de Julio beginning at 11:00 (local time). Participants will then march to the National Congress at 12:00. The ATE is also planning additional demonstrations from Monday, April 9, through Friday, April 13. Union members erected a tent city in front of the National Congress building on Monday and will continue to occupy the place throughout the week. Related, smaller demonstrations are likely in other cities across the country. Localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around all protests.

Context

Multiple public sector unions, including the ATE, held a strike across Buenos Aires province on April 5. The groups were protesting low salaries, forced retirement, and massive public employee layoffs. Since December, over 1000 state employees have been let go, and the government recently announced tentative plans to force 3000 teachers into early retirement and slash the annual retirement pension by 40 percent. The ATE has rejected a government proposal to increase salaries by 15 percent over the course of three installments; union leaders claim that the raise does not take inflation into account.

Advice

Individuals in Argentina, particularly in Buenos Aires, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, prepare for localized transportation disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.