Argentine transport unions and the country’s broader labour movement have united in a powerful demonstration of solidarity to organise a third national strike in opposition to the Milei government's attacks on workers and pensioners.
Argentinian confederations CGT and CTA, of which a number of ITF affiliates are members in Argentina, called for a 36-hour general strike that began on Wednesday 9 April at noon.
This strike is being organised by transport workers from all sectors, as well as education, health, banking, and public sector unions.
The economic policies being imposed by the Milei government are reducing the purchasing power of workers and pensioners, creating an atmosphere of anxiety.
Initially planned for April 10, the strike has been moved forward to join pensioners’ protests on April 9, who are also protesting for the defence of their pensions and their rights.
ITF President Paddy Crumlin declared: "The Milei government has picked a fight with workers and pensioners, and now they will feel the full force of organised labour. The international trade union movement stands ready to fight back with our Argentine comrades. We will not rest until these attacks on workers' rights are defeated."
Multiple transport sectors are currently under direct threat of privatisation, including the national carrier Aerolíneas Argentinas, the National Highway Board and Argentina’s merchant marine.
The privatisation of the highway board would directly impact ITF affiliate Sindicato de Trabajadores Viales, which is fighting against a proposal that would result in the dismissal of more than 1,500 workers, reduce road maintenance works, and put the safety of road users at risk.
The deregulation of the merchant marine is another direct attack on the heart of Argentina's economy and sovereignty, directly affecting inland navigation, maritime navigation and fisheries. It is a direct attack on the employment of Argentinean maritime workers and their rights.
Union-run social services, which are dedicated to supporting the provision of health care to both union and non-union members, are also under attack.
With much of the country's population reliant on union health insurance as an affordable alternative to private care, the Milei government’s plan to eliminate financial administration support for union-provided services is an attack on the health and wellbeing of millions.
We reject the policies of the Milei government and repression aimed at destroying the trade unions, destroying the solidarity health care system of the Trade Union Social Works, which are a key pillar for the welfare and health of the workers.
The ITF stands with our Argentine affiliates, fully supporting their actions against ongoing attacks on labour and social policies in the country.
ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton reaffirmed the ITF’s commitment to help Argentine unions in their fight against the government's erosion of workers’ rights: "Our Argentine affiliates are not alone. We are joining forces to combat policies aimed to eliminate unions, the ITF will not allow this chaotic and destructive agenda to succeed."
ITF Latin America Regional Secretary Edgar Diaz said: "The advance of such regressive policies against workers is deeply worrying for our entire region. Our Argentine affiliates have a proud tradition of struggle, and they have the support of the international trade union movement to confront Milei's policies that care only about the profits of big capital."
Media contact: media@itf.org.uk
