Argentina: Truck drivers continue disruptive protests in Santa Fe Province as of Jan. 19

Event

As of Jan. 19, members of the Transportistas Unidos de la Argentina (TUDA) group of around 2,000 independent truck owners and drivers are continuing their indefinite protests and blockades in and around Santa Fe Province. The labor action was first called Jan. 16 to make various demands, including increases in freight rates due to increases in logistical costs. Sporadic protests are likely to persist nationwide over the coming days, though Santa Fe Province and surrounding areas have so far remained the focal areas for the most disruptive protests. Generally, protesters have allowed private vehicles to pass, but have blocked access for other trucks.

Within Santa Fe Province, focal points for protest blockades Jan. 18 and 19 include Ruta Provincial 18 and Ruta Nacional A012 intersection, which connects Rosario to Buenos Aires, as well the Subfluvial Tunnel, which connects Santa Fe to Parana in the neighboring Entre Rios Province. Additional blockades are possible on major routes throughout the province, including routes connecting to neighboring provinces like Cordoba.

Police will probably deploy to monitor the protests. Major violence is unlikely; however, the possibility of isolated confrontations between protesters and other truck drivers attempting to cross the blockades cannot be dismissed. The protests have the potential to disrupt ground-based shipping throughout the country, but as of Jan. 19, disruptions are likely to be most severe in Santa Fe.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Do not attempt to cross any protester roadblocks encountered. Confirm all freight arrangements especially in Santa Fe and surrounding provinces through January; consider alternate shipping arrangements for critical parcels.