The city’s transport is on strike today, in protest of the death of 23-year-old Mariano Ferreya, who was murdered yesterday in a series of violent union clashes that took place between Avellaneda and Baracas.
Mariano Ferreya, 23, a member of the Partido Obrero (PO), was shot dead yesterday afternoon during a bloody altercation between the Railway Union and leftist labour groups. Elsa Rodriguez, 60 received a shot in the head and is now in a coma. Two others have been left injured.
The fighting came amidst clashes between the Railway Union and members of worker’s unions, who were protesting the loss of over 100 contract jobs in the past three months.
Conflicts began last July when 117 employees of Rock Railroad were dismissed. The decision came on the part of the Rail Operations Management Unit (UGOFE), who manage the company.
PO and leftist groups have remained in conflict with the Railway Union ever since. The last railroad blockade occurred last month.
Yesterday’s altercation began with rocks and sticks hurled between the two groups. The fatal shot is believed to have originated from the side of the Railway Union, but investigations are underway.
A round of hearings with witnesses will begin today. The prosecutor in charge of the case, Cristina Camaño, explained, “If we can find the authors of the crime, we’ll be then able to find the masterminds who planned this.” No suspects have been identified yet.
The Central Argentine Workers Union (CTA) has called for nation wide demonstrations to show solidarity for the death of Ferreya. At 6.30am Kraft workers set up road blockades in the General Pacheco are of the Pan American Highway. Protestors donned signs condemning the death of the 23-year-old PO member.
In Buenos Aires the CTA has announced a citywide transport strike and a march through Plaza de Mayo is planned for this afternoon. Head of CTA, Hugo Yasky, declared “there can’t be any impunity. We must put an end to these union thugs.”
President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner has condemned the killing and demanded punishment for the perpetrators. Transport should return to normal this evening.
