The CGT, Argentina’s largest labor union, has called for a strike on April 10 against President Javier Milei’s austerity measures. Demands include pension increases, resuming public projects, and ending police crackdowns. This protest follows recent violent conflicts over pension cuts and highlights growing social unrest as the government seeks an IMF loan despite claims of curbed inflation.
Argentina’s largest labor organization, the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), has declared a general strike set for April 10, marking the third such protest against President Javier Milei’s administration in the past 15 months. CGT General Secretary Héctor Daer revealed that the strike will involve 36 hours of activities, commencing with demonstrations on April 9, culminating in a nationwide 24-hour work stoppage.
The CGT’s demands include urgent pension adjustments, the resumption of stalled public infrastructure initiatives, safeguards for the manufacturing sector, and the cessation of excessive police actions against demonstrations. Historically affiliated with the center-left Peronist movement, the CGT has previously orchestrated two nationwide strikes—one in January opposing Milei’s extensive deregulation and severe public spending reductions, and another in May focusing on labor rights and wage protections.
This upcoming strike follows violent incidents on March 12 between law enforcement and demonstrators who protested pension reductions, leading to significant social unrest since Milei’s inauguration. Initially peaceful weekly assemblies of retirees escalated into clashes upon the arrival of football supporters, resulting in 45 injuries, which included 20 law enforcement officials and 25 civilians, alongside more than 120 arrests.
Amid rising social tensions, Milei’s administration is endeavoring to secure a new loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to manage the national debt. Although the government announces a drastic reduction in inflation—from 211% at the end of 2023 to 66% currently—many critics assert that the accompanying austerity measures have inflicted substantial social harm.
In response to the strike’s announcement, a presidential spokesperson downplayed the situation on X, asserting, “The past that no one wants is calling for a strike that no one wants either.”
In summary, Argentina’s CGT labor union is initiating a general strike on April 10 in response to President Javier Milei’s austerity policies, emphasizing urgent pension increases and public project revivals. This action follows previous nationwide protests and violent clashes over pension cuts, reflecting escalating social unrest. The government’s push for an IMF loan amidst claims of reduced inflation has intensified scrutiny on its austerity measures, which critics argue have detrimental social impacts.
Original Source: al24news.com
