To face his third general strike on Thursday, 10, Javier Milei’s government raised his tone against the unions, calling them “wildlife” and saying that the stoppage was an “attack on the Republic.” The expression was reproduced on screens at the train stations, saying that the action was an attack on millions of Argentines who wanted to work, along with a direct line to denounce who was “thanks” to cross their arms.
The strike had partial adhesion and Casa Rosada tried to minimize the impact, although it estimated a “loss of US $ 880 million (about $ 5.15 billion) to Argentines”. 16 months ago in office, Milei conducts a mandate in which he seeks to eliminate the tax deficit with severe austerity measures, which have caused protests such as yesterday.
To relieve the situation, the Argentine government is expecting a US $ 20 billion rescue package of the IMF, whose technical agreement was reached earlier this week.
Interruption
In yesterday’s stoppage, trains and subway were interrupted, more than 250 flights were canceled, grain shipments were suspended, the deliveries were paralyzed and the closed seats. The adhesion was high among civil servants, but many stores were open and part of the buses circulated.
The movement – led by the country’s main union confederation, CGT – tried to paralyze Argentina one day after unionists join a weekly retirees protest that claim pension increases, most of them now set at about $ 300 per month – they have currently lost value against inflation.
Continues after advertising
Union members, including train drivers, teachers, customs staff, garbage collectors and post office workers, suspended work for 24 hours. Airports were empty, while the main airlines interrupted operations. Many public hospitals were dealing only with emergencies.
“We are adhering to the strike for a fair collective bargaining, solidarity with the retirees and the poorest in the country and the crisis we are facing,” said Nestor Segovia, assistant secretary of the subway workers union.
However, unlike the strikes in January and May last year, the streets of Buenos Aires presented mixed membership, mainly because the main union of bus drivers did not adhere to the movement, thus facilitating the travel to work.
Continues after advertising
The union chose not to participate because there are salary negotiations in progress. Although taxi drivers supported the stoppage, taxis could be seen circling the streets looking for passengers. In the buenos Aires fashion neighborhoods, cafes and clothing stores were moved as usual.
Opposition
Argentina’s powerful unions are controlled by the Peronian party – the political movement now in opposition – since they helped bring its founder, Juan Domingo Perón to power in 1945. They remain central to the system that Milei tries to overthrow.
Continues after advertising
Milei’s spokesman Manuel Adorni used his WhatsApp channel to criticize the stoppage, saying it was a movement of “the Kirchnerist union caste”, referring to the opposition leader and former President Cristina Kirchner.
“They are entrenched in political and union power, entrenched in the nest of the caste. The advance of freedom implies the end of their business and, like wild animals, they counterattacks to survive,” Adorni posted.
Milei seemed unshakable. Throughout the morning, he shared dozens of social media posts celebrating an announcement that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent plans to visit Argentina next week. “Milei brought Argentina back from economic oblivion,” said the American statement. Later, he posted photos of his full cabinet at Casa Rosada with the caption: “Here you work.” (With international agencies)
