CGT Announces 24-Hour Strike Against Javier Milei’s Administration
The CGT in Argentina has announced a 24-hour general strike against President Javier Milei, aimed at protesting low wages, layoffs, and police repression. The strike is set before April 10, following violent protests and will involve discussions on broader social issues. CGT leader Héctor Daer expressed concerns over the government’s detrimental economic policies and a disregard for established societal agreements.
The General Labor Confederation (CGT) of Argentina is planning a 24-hour general strike against President Javier Milei’s government, set to occur before April 10. This decision was announced by CGT leader Héctor Daer during a meeting at CGT headquarters, highlighting that those most impacted include individuals with fixed incomes.
The CGT board will meet on March 20 to finalize strike details, primarily addressing ongoing issues such as police repression during protests, low salaries, layoffs, and the government’s economic policies that suppress wages and increase debt with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The announcement comes after violent confrontations during a protest involving retirees in front of the National Congress led to over 120 arrests and close to 50 injuries, raising concerns over governmental repression. The meeting also coincided with the first national “Pope Francis” Congress, celebrating the anniversary of Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s election as Pope.
If executed, this strike would mark the third organized by the CGT against the Milei administration, following previous strikes on January 24 and May 9 of the preceding year. Broader issues related to pension rights, industrial decline, and the risks of deregulation will also be addressed by the CGT and other social movements.
Héctor Daer criticized the Milei administration for not allowing wages to keep pace with inflation, which he states is damaging to Argentine industry and leading to workforce reductions. He also expressed concern that increased borrowing from the IMF may exacerbate these issues.
Daer remarked that the strike is a response not only to recent police violence but also to the government’s disregard for societal consensus, particularly in relation to gender policies and the recognition of femicide within the Penal Code.
Alejandro Gramajo, UTEP’s Secretary-General, emphasized that the retirees’ grievances are valid and decried the repressive measures employed by the government, asserting that this cruel and oppressive model will ultimately face resistance from the working populace.
Notable attendees at the UTEP convention included various union leaders and the distinguished human rights activist Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, reinforcing the solidarity among labor organizations against the current government policies.
In conclusion, the CGT’s planned general strike against President Javier Milei’s government underscores significant labor concerns, including police repression, economic instability, and diminishing wages. With a chronology of tensions and strikes, the CGT aims to unify workers’ voices in opposition to policies perceived as oppressive and regressive. The actions and sentiments expressed during this period reflect a broader determination among social movements to advocate for workers’ rights and social justice in Argentina.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
