On Thursday, the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), Argentina’s largest labor union federation, called for a 24-hour general strike to protest President Javier Milei’s austerity policies.

The strike, supported by the Argentine Workers’ Central Union (CTA) and 50 nationally significant unions, demands better wage conditions in response to the ongoing economic crisis.

The wave of protests began on Wednesday, with several unions joining a demonstration led by retirees who have been protesting weekly for years in front of Congress, demanding improved conditions.

The protest took place without incident under a heavy security presence and drew thousands of workers from various unions.

In anticipation of Thursday’s strike, widespread participation is expected from workers across different sectors, and it is projected to disrupt transportation across much of the country as well as some essential services.

Railroad workers, Buenos Aires subway employees, and the Taxi Drivers Union have confirmed their participation in the strike. Meanwhile, the Automotive Tramway Union (UTA), which represents bus drivers, announced it will not take part, and bus services will operate normally.

Air transport will function at about 45% capacity, and air traffic controllers will maintain minimal operations, as their work is considered essential. The state-run airline Aerolineas Argentinas reported the cancellation of more than 250 flights, affecting over 20,000 passengers.

The text reads, “Argentine unions begin a 24-hour general strike against Javier Milei’s cutbacks. Previously, thousands of workers from Argentina’s main trade union center, the General Confederation of Labor, joined the retirees’ Wednesday march in front of Congress to protest against pension cuts.”

The Airline Pilots Association (APLA), the Aeronautical Personnel Association (APA), the Union of Senior and Professional Staff of Commercial Airlines (UPSA), and the Association of Technical and Security Employees for Air Navigation (ATEPSA) also confirmed their participation in the strike.

Additionally, public schools and universities will remain closed throughout Thursday, while the healthcare sector will operate with minimal staffing to attend to emergencies.

There will also be no public services at government offices, civil registries, or municipal departments nationwide, and Argentine Post will not deliver mail. Garbage collection has been suspended since Wednesday night and is scheduled to resume at midnight on Friday.

“We are demanding free collective bargaining, the ratification of all collective labor agreements, an emergency increase in all pensions and retirements, the adjustment of the bonus, and an end to the brutal repression of social protests,” CGT leaders stated during a press conference yesterday.

This Thursday’s strike will be the third general strike called by the labor federation since Javier Milei took office in December 2023.