Argentina’s largest union, the CGT, has announced a general strike for April 10 against President Milei’s austerity initiatives. The strike will follow escalating tensions from recent violent clashes between police and protestors over pension cuts. The CGT demands better pensions, public project initiatives, manufacturing sector protections, and an end to police violence during protests.
Argentina’s largest labor union, the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), has scheduled a general strike for April 10 in response to President Javier Milei’s austerity measures. This marks the third such strike initiated against his administration within a span of 15 months. CGT General Secretary Héctor Daer announced that the strike will encompass 36 hours of organized protests, commencing with demonstrations on April 9, followed by a full 24-hour cessation of work.
The union’s demands include urgent increases in pensions, the recommencement of stalled public infrastructure projects, safeguarding the manufacturing sector, and an end to what the CGT considers excessive police force against protestors. Historically aligned with the center-left Peronist movement, the CGT previously orchestrated two nationwide strikes—one in January addressing Milei’s deregulation policies and severe public spending cuts, and another in May focusing on workers’ rights and wage protection.
The forthcoming April 10 strike follows significant unrest observed on March 12, where clashes erupted between police and protestors opposing pension reductions. This incident was the most severe social turmoil since Milei assumed office, turning from a peaceful gathering of retirees into a violent confrontation involving football fans, resulting in 45 injuries—including both police officers and civilians—and over 120 arrests.
This rising social unrest coincides with Milei’s government seeking additional funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to manage the national debt. While the government emphasizes a reduction in inflation—from 211% at the end of 2023 to a current 66%—critics argue that such accomplishments have come at a high social price due to stringent austerity policies. In response to the strike announcement, a spokesperson for the presidency trivialized the situation on social media platform X, saying, “The past that no one wants is calling for a strike that no one wants either.”
In conclusion, the CGT’s call for a nationwide strike against President Milei’s austerity measures underscores rising tensions in Argentina. The demand for pension increases, the revival of public projects, and protection of workers highlights the growing discontent among labor groups following severe social unrest. As Milei’s administration navigates economic challenges with the IMF, the implications of these austerity policies pose significant concerns for the future stability of the nation.
Original Source: al24news.com
