general strike in Argentina | The Argentine president, Javier Mileifaces the first general strike on Wednesday in just 45 days of government, against its draconian fiscal adjustment and its plan to reform more than a thousand laws and regulations that were in force for decades.
The largest Argentine union called the strike in rejection, in particular, of the changes by decree of the labor regime that drives Mileiwhich limit the right to strike and affect the financing of unions.
The world-famous organizations of Mothers and Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayoas well as unions and human rights organizations throughout the country.
“It is a way to support this resolution of the people to form a protest and a call for attention for this whole situation that we are experiencing with this strange government.”“said the president of Abuelas on Tuesday, Estela De Carlotto.
Citizen organizations and unions from around the world also called to mobilize in favor of the Argentine protesters.
In Uruguay, the PIT-CNT, the single union center of workers, called to demonstrate in rejection of the “anti-popular measures” by Milei, “that threaten the life, rights and freedom of workers and the Argentine people”.
Support events are also expected in Madrid, London, Berlin and Paris, among other cities.
The general strike is called by the largest union center in Argentinathe General Confederation of Labor (CGT), of Peronist orientation, and received the support of the Confederation of Argentine Workers (CTA), second in size.
Thousands, and perhaps tens of thousands, of protesters are expected to gather in the heart of Buenos Aires for concentration. Only the gigantic CGT claims to have 7 million members.
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First challenge
It will be the first nationwide demonstration against the government and its drastic adjustment measures with which it seeks to contain a annual inflation of 211%, a record in 30 years.
In December, in year-on-year terms, consumption contracted 13.7% and production in small industries fell 26.9%, according to the business chamber CAME.
Furthermore, the 50% devaluation and the liberalization of fuel prices, among other Milei decisions, sharply cut the purchasing power of employees and retirees, and the Discontent moved directly to the streets.
However, several polls show that the president maintains between 47% and 55% of positive image.
The strike will last 12 hours starting at noon, and will begin with a march from the headquarters of the CGTa few blocks from May Plaza, until Congress.
“What Wednesday’s strike will show you is that there are two Argentinas. There is a Argentina who wants to stay in backwardnessin the past, in decadence”said Milei this week.
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Essential services
The mega Decree of Necessity and Urgency (DNU) of 366 articles dictated by Milei As soon as he took office, he introduced several fundamental changes to the old and consolidated labor legislation. Argentinaparticularly on the exercise of right to strike.
Milei demands minimum coverage of 75% in essential services such as education, transportation and food, among others, and promotes dismissals for cause strikers.
The DNU also regulates labor assembliesconditions union fundraising and reduces severance pay.
The CGT questioned the constitutionality of the labor chapter of the megadecree before the court, which provisionally suspended its effects. The decision was appealed by the government and the case has already been elevated to the Supreme Courtcurrently on recess.
For Milei, “This is the first time that (with a DNU) freedoms are returned to citizens, a system is put together so that markets are more competitive and also tongs are eliminated [amaños]. And there you have why they are so angry.”
