CGT, Argentina's main labour federation, confirms 36-hour strike, starting next Wednesday

Argentina’s main labour federation, the Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT) umbrella union grouping, has confirmed it will stage a 36-hour general strike next week in protest against President Javier Milei’s economic policies.

CGT officials say the strike will begin at midday next Wednesday, April 9, and last for 36 hours. Members of all unions associated with the federation will stage a walkout and join the weekly mobilisation by retirees seeking improved pensions outside the National Congress building to mark the beginning of the protest.

In a statement, the CGT said that the general strike – the third since President Javier Milei took office in December 2023 – is in rejection of the national government, its economic policies, falling wages and in support of the “rights of retirees.”

The labour group’s “plan of struggle” will continue with a massive protest on May 1 to mark International Workers’ Day, it added.

According to the CGT, plans are still being finalised, though the attendance of union members from outside of Buenos Aires City is assured and “strong adherence” to the strike is expected.

– TIMES/NA