Hundreds of thousands march against Milei’s economic plan as labor unions initiate 24-hour work stoppage
Over 500,000 Argentinians took to the streets of Buenos Aires and other major cities today in a massive general strike challenging the economic reforms of President Javier Milei. Nearly all sectors of the economy ground to a halt as the country’s largest labor unions ordered their workers to walk off the job for 24 hours.
The strike was called in opposition to Milei’s austerity budget passed last week, which contains deep cuts to government spending along with plans to weaken labor laws and protections. Major union federations including the CGT and CTA have slammed the reforms as an attack on workers’ rights.
Transport networks disrupted, many flights grounded
The walkout caused significant disruptions across Argentina’s transport infrastructure and travel networks. Urban bus and train services in Buenos Aires operated at minimal levels, while the capitals’ metro system was completely shutdown.
| Mode of Transport | Level of Disruption |
|---|---|
| Urban Buses | Severely Reduced Service |
| Subway | Not Operating |
| Intercity Buses | Cancelled |
| Domestic Flights | ~50% Cancelled |
| International Flights | Significant Delays |
Around half of flights at Argentina’s largest airport in Buenos Aires were cancelled. Aerolineas Argentinas was forced to suspend all operations for the day. There were also major delays to international arrivals and departures.
Road access to Buenos Aires was intermittent as union activists blocked major highways into the capital. Intercity bus services across the country were brought to a standstill after intercity bus drivers walked out.
Businesses close doors in show of solidarity
Along with public transportation, the strike attracted strong support from workers in the industrial sector, leading to temporary shutdowns at factories, power plants and other workplaces.
Many private businesses also closed their doors in a show of unity with the unions. Shopping malls and stores were conspicuously empty in commercial districts. Some estimates indicated over 60% businesses were not operating across Argentina.
School teachers represent one of the strongest bases of support for the anti-Milei movement. Today the vast majority of schools were closed as teachers participated in the strike action.
Mounting opposition creates crisis for Milei
The scenes of organized labor flexing its muscle poses President Milei’s biggest test since taking office last month. Milei was elected on promises to drastically reshape Argentina’s state-heavy economy based on his libertarian philosophy.
However the young president is facing a swift backlash from entrenched political opponents, in particular the country’s historic Peronist labor movement which retains major influence.
After today’s massive mobilization, questions are being raised over Milei’s ability to implement his vision in the face of a hostile and obstructionist opposition controlling key sectors like transport and education.
Milei adopted a defiant posture in response the protests, warning he would not cave into “intimidation tactics” and vowed to press forward with his reforms. Nevertheless, analysts say Milei can not afford to ignore today’s resounding repudiation of his economic program from large sections of Argentine society.
There is also a risk the unrest could spiral into wider civil disobedience if the government adopts a hardline stance. The opposition says today’s strike is only the first major salvo in an intensifying campaign to resist Milei’s agenda.
International support for Argentine unions
The strikes received messages of solidarity from union federations across Latin America, North America and Europe. Many see Argentina as the frontline in the struggle against a global rise of right-wing populism threatening workers rights.
In a video address, the general secretary of Public Services International Daniel Bertossa said his organization “stands in full solidarity” with public sector unions, vowing to “carry your voices within the international trade union movement”.
Meanwhile the global union federation IndustriAll warned against Milei’s “attacks” on the Argentine labor movement, calling on the president to “immediately cease anti-union practices” and “respect international labor standards”.
What next for Milei government?
With tensions escalating, all eyes will now turn to how Milei responds to this resounding show of defiance from the unions. If Milei retreats on his key reforms, it risks damaging his credibility and alienating supporters. However if Milei forges ahead undeterred, he could provoke more radical and aggressive resistance.
Most experts see some kind of middle-ground compromise involving watered-down reforms as the only realistic path forward. However Milei did not come to office to pursue centrist moderation – if he reneges substantially on his small government platform it would represent a major betrayal of his libertarian base.
In the background looms Argentina’s chronic fiscal problems and theprecarious state of government finances Milei inherited. Argentina badly needs to reassure financial markets it can stabilise ballooning public debt. Failure to tackle the deficit will jeopardise IMF support and risk economic calamity. The stakes could not be higher for the fledgling Milei administration.
For now the unions appear determined to use their leverage to maximum effect. But if transport paralysis and economic disruption continues for an extended period it risks triggering a dangerous downward spiral into deeper recession.
Both sides will be under intense pressure to find a negotiated settlement – but with neither camp showing signs of backing down, the turmoil in Argentina looks set to intensify in the coming days and weeks. The ramifications of this standoff over Argentina’s future direction carries consequences far beyond its borders.
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