Argentina's strike disrupts nation as Milei's cuts ignite outrage
The largest labor unions in Argentina began a 24-hour nationwide strike on Thursday, protesting the austerity measures implemented by President Javier Milei. As a result, trains, taxis, public schools, garbage collection services, and ports shut down, while most flights were canceled.
This marks the third general strike by Argentina's largest union federation, CGT, against Milei's decisions. Since taking office in December 2023, Milei has launched a widespread "chainsaw" campaign to cut public spending, aiming to pull the country out of a deep financial crisis.
"After this action, they'll have to turn off the chainsaw. It's over. There's no more room for further cuts," said Rodolfo Aguiar, president of the ATE public administration workers' union, in a statement.
Communication paralysis
The strike caused significant disruptions, halting trains, taxis, and ports while disrupting air transport. Classes in public schools were canceled, garbage collection ceased, and mail delivery was suspended, with numerous government offices scaling back operations.
Despite the strike, city buses continued to run, resulting in long waits at bus stops in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area. Shops and private schools remained open.
Tensions arose on Thursday morning between protesters and police. Officers dispersed a group of left-wing demonstrators who attempted to block traffic on the Pueyrredón Bridge, one of Buenos Aires's main access routes.
The government criticized the strike, displaying messages on railway station screens accusing union members of an "attack on the republic." "The union caste is attempting a coup against millions of Argentinians who want to work," the statement read.
Major cuts in Argentina
Milei won the 2023 election amid public dissatisfaction with rampant inflation, corruption, and a deepening financial crisis. Since coming to power, he has aimed to dismantle the welfare state built over decades and reshape the country based on a neoliberal model.
As part of the economic "shock therapy," Milei has laid off thousands of public administration employees, dissolved several ministries and government agencies, and reduced social benefits. Although the country achieved a budget surplus, it came at the cost of worsening financial conditions for many families, particularly retirees and pensioners.
The poverty rate initially increased under Milei's administration to over 50%, but—according to official data—fell to around 38% in the second half of 2024.
