CGT Announces 24-Hour Strike Against Javier Milei’s Government

Argentina’s CGT is set to hold a 24-hour general strike against President Javier Milei’s government before April 10, driven by concerns over police repression, low wages, and economic policies. Hector Daer announced this plan, emphasizing it is in response to the government’s oppressive tactics and its impact on workers. This will be the third strike against Milei’s administration, manifesting ongoing discontent among labor groups.

Argentina’s General Labor Confederation (CGT) has announced plans for a 24-hour general strike against the administration of Javier Milei, expected to occur before April 10. Hector Daer, a CGT representative, revealed this decision after a meeting that included social movement leaders and concluded the plenary session of the Union of Workers of the Popular Economy (UTEP) at the CGT headquarters. He noted that the strike aims to address pressing concerns regarding the impact of governmental policies on fixed-income sectors, among other issues.

The CGT board is scheduled to gather on March 20 to confirm the timing of the strike, which is set to protest various grievances including police repression during recent demonstrations, inadequate wages, job losses, and economic policies leading to wage suppression and increased debt to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Daer confirmed that this meeting would be critical to finalize the protest details.

This announcement comes in the wake of severe clashes at a retirees’ demonstration outside the National Congress, leading to over 120 arrests and numerous injuries. The violence has intensified criticism of the government’s tactics in managing dissent. The UTEP plenary also coincided with the first national “Pope Francis” Congress, marking the anniversary of Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s selection as Pope.

If executed, this strike will mark the third such action against Milei’s administration, following previous strikes on January 24 and May 9 of the prior year. The CGT and other social movements are raising broader issues, including pension rights and the decline of industry due to deregulation.

Daer criticized the current administration for “stepping on wages” to prevent any growth above inflation, asserting that it is effectively “destroying” Argentine industry and instigating layoffs. He warned that excessive borrowing from the IMF could further exacerbate these issues and emphasized that the strike reflects discontent over recent governmental repressions rather than isolated incidents.

Alejandro Gramajo, UTEP Secretary-General, affirmed the legitimacy of the retirees’ claims and condemned the government’s repressive strategies. He described the administration’s policies as one of “cruelty, hunger, and misery,” indicating that working people would ultimately decide the administration’s fate. He highlighted Pope Francis’s advocacy for marginalized communities, stating, “The Pope is the world leader who has done the most for the humble, for the workers.”

Prominent leaders such as Hugo Moyano (lorry drivers), Andrés Rodríguez (civil servants), and Sergio Palazzo (banking workers) were present at the UTEP convention, alongside notable figures including 1980 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Adolfo Pérez Esquivel.

In summary, the CGT’s proclamation of a 24-hour general strike underscores deepening discontent with Javier Milei’s administration, driven by concerns over economic policies, social injustices, and government repression. Hector Daer and Alejandro Gramajo have articulated the collective frustrations regarding the treatment of workers and retirees, emphasizing the need for solidarity and action among social movements. This forthcoming strike reflects broader struggles against current governmental policies and a demand for respect and justice in Argentina’s labor landscape.

Original Source: en.mercopress.com