Argentina paralysed in general strikes

A 24-hour strike called by Argentina’s most prominent labour unions brought the country to a halt, international media reported Monday.

The General Confederation of Labour and Argentine Workers’ Central Union initiated the strike in response to a government deal for IMF credit and President Mauricio Macri’s veto of legislation that would freeze or reverse utilities rate hikes.

Tensions in the country have run high for several weeks and months following a rise in global energy prices and a devaluation of the Argentine peso. In an effort to cap skyrocketing domestic prices, President Macri replaced the country’s energy minister last week. A deal with YPF, Pan American Energy and Shell for the gradual increase of fuel prices by 3% per month starting in July is now shrouded in uncertainty after the departure of Juan José Aranguren, widely perceived as a free market hardliner.

According to news reports, transportation and logistics activities in the country were severely impacted as other unions and social movements joined the protests. Union organisers have said that at least 1 million workers participated.

“[The participants in the strike] search for conflict for conflict’s sake,” said Jorge Triaca Jr., Argentina’s Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security.