A 24-hours strike called for by the Argentine Workers’ Union (CTA) began today due to conflict between state workers and the provincial government. These workers reject Provincial Governor Daniel Scioli’s decision to split the bi-annual bonuses (usually paid in the state workers’ June salary) into four separate instalments.
After the CTA announced the strike, they were joined by workers from several other unions, including the Association of State Workers (ATE) of Buenos Aires, the Judicial Association of Buenos Aires, and the Labor Association of Health Professionals of the Province of Buenos Aires (CICOP). The CTA-led actions also include protests at the Casa de Gobierno in La Plata and at the Casa de la Provincia in the city of Buenos Aires.
Actions expressing workers’ discontent with Scioli’s decision are expected to continue during the next few days. The Teachers’ Union of the Province of Buenos Aires (UDOCBA) has announced that they will lead a 48-hour strike beginning tomorrow. Other public education workers, like those associated with the Federation of Educators of Buenos Aires (FEB) and the Union of Education Workers (SUTEBA) have announced a 24-hour strike on Friday.
Leader of the SUTEBA Roberto Baradal stated in an interview with Radio Mitre that workers do not want to “negotiate” with the provincial government, but rather “demand that [the government] change its mind and turn this decision around.” In a statement today, the Association of State Workers (ATE) announced that many workers had adhered to the strike, because “state workers are showing that they are fed up” and that actions would escalate if the government did not reverse their decision.
