Thousands of flights canceled, transportation lines halted, and critical services suspended as Argentina's largest trade unions stage a nationwide general strike against libertarian President Javier Milei's economic reforms.
Argentina's labor unions have unleashed one of their most formidable challenges against the newly elected libertarian government of President Javier Milei, organizing a mass general strike that has paralyzed key sectors of the economy and brought daily life to a standstill.
The 24-hour strike, which commenced on Thursday, has led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights, the suspension of essential transportation services such as buses, subways, and trains, and the disruption of critical services like trash collection and healthcare.
The strike is a direct response to Milei's controversial austerity measures and deregulation policies, which have sparked widespread discontent among the Argentine population. Milei, who took office in December, has implemented a series of painful economic reforms aimed at addressing Argentina's ongoing financial crisis, including severe spending cuts, government layoffs, and the freezing of all public works projects.
The president's policies have also resulted in the devaluation of Argentina's currency, stabilizing the peso but simultaneously causing a sharp increase in prices. Argentina's annual inflation rate now hovers around 300%, the highest in the world, surpassing even war-torn Lebanon.
The strike is being led by the country's largest union, known as the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), which represents workers from various sectors. The CGT and other labor syndicates have joined forces to stage the strike, which they argue is "in defense of democracy, labor rights, and a living wage."
They accuse Milei's government of promoting "the elimination of labor and social rights" and portraying the strike as an eruption of public outrage over policies that have disproportionately affected poor and middle-class Argentines.
The government has downplayed the disruption caused by the strike, accusing union leaders of engaging in cynical ploys to regain political power. Presidential spokesperson Manual Adorni asserted that the unions are "extorting Argentines to try to return to power."
Despite the government's efforts to minimize the impact of the strike, its disruption has been significant. Major avenues and streets are eerily deserted, schools are closed, businesses are shuttered, and banks have halted operations. The government estimates that the strike will prevent approximately 6.6 million people from making it to work.
The country's flagship airline, Aerolíneas Argentinas, has canceled nearly 200 domestic and regional flights and rescheduled over a dozen international flights, affecting 24,000 passengers and costing the airline $2 million.
However, some analysts argue that the strike is driven more by political motivations than economic concerns. Political science expert Sebastián Mazzuca believes that Milei is using the strike to deflect attention from worsening economic pressures, while the unions are flexing their muscles after their candidate was defeated in the last presidential election.
"This conflict is sold to the public as a social conflict, but it's really a political conflict," Mazzuca said. "The outgoing government doesn't want to die. And the new government wants to stay in power."
As the strike continues, negotiations between the government and union leaders remain ongoing. Union leaders have indicated their willingness to extend the strike if their demands are not met, while the government insists that it will not tolerate disruptions to essential services.
The outcome of the strike is uncertain, but it is clear that the political and economic tensions in Argentina will continue to escalate unless a resolution can be found
