The Argentine State Workers Association (ATE) has announced a surprise strike in response to government policies causing wage freezes and job cuts. Mobilizations will take place at various governmental locations, culminating in a rally at Buenos Aires’ Plaza de Mayo. ATE’s leadership is seeking to restore collective bargaining rights and oppose the merging and closure of state agencies, citing adverse effects on public sector workers.
The Argentine State Workers Association (ATE) has announced a surprise strike scheduled for Thursday. The strike aims to protest against policies implemented by President Javier Milei, particularly those related to job cuts and wage freezes. Mobilizations are planned at various significant locations such as the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) and various Ministries, with a major rally set for Buenos Aires’ Plaza de Mayo.
ATE’s Secretary-General Rodolfo Aguiar emphasized the union’s determination to resist the current government’s budget cuts, advocating for the reinstatement of collective bargaining tables to regain lost wages and pensions. The union’s actions also oppose the closure and merging of state agencies, demanding the return of dismissed workers and extension of labor contracts.
Aguiar criticized the tax policies put forth by the Milei administration, claiming they disproportionately benefit the wealthy while impacting the public sector negatively. He stated, “We have to continue confronting him at all levels as the only possibility to stop an adjustment that breaks the whole social and productive fabric.”
The decision for surprise protests was made to circumvent government repression against protesters advocating for their rights. Aguiar noted the necessity to prevent the government from offsetting tax breaks for the wealthy through additional cuts in state services.
According to Aguiar, “Javier Milei and his government are reeling. They are going through the worst days since they took office.” He asserted the need for immediate salary negotiations to counterbalance income losses in the Public Sector due to devaluation and inflation.
ATE’s demands also include the extension of a pension moratorium, restoration of the Sustainability Guarantee Fund, and the repeal of a decree that transformed Yacimientos Carboníferos Río Turbio into a joint-stock company. The union’s strike aims to halt the adjustment measures that are fracturing the social and economic framework of the nation.
The ATE’s strike represents a significant response to the government’s austerity measures under President Javier Milei. The labor union’s leadership insists on the restoration of collective bargaining rights and the prevention of further state agency closures. Their actions illustrate the ongoing tension between state workers and governmental policies perceived to favor the wealthy at the expense of public services and employee rights.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
