Argentina Hit by General Strike as Unions Reject President Mileis Policies

Argentina is facing a general strike as the countrys largest labour union, CGT, and other unions take to the streets to reject President Javier Mileis decree targeting unions and his economic and labour reform proposals.

Just over a month after taking office in Argentina, right-wing President Javier Milei encountered a significant challenge as the country faced a general strike in rejection of his policies. The strike, organized by Argentina's largest labor union, the CGT, brought together various unions, social organizations, and political opponents, including members of the Peronist party, which has held a dominant position in national politics for decades.

Milei's Rise and Controversial Policies

Before his presidential run, Milei gained prominence for his televised criticisms of the political establishment. His victory last year, secured with a wide margin, was attributed to his self-described libertarian views and promises of drastic reductions in state spending to address the country's fiscal deficit and soaring inflation, which reached 211% in 2023.

On December 20, Milei issued a decree aiming to limit the power of unions and deregulate the heavily state-intervened economy. He also submitted a comprehensive omnibus bill to Congress, seeking sweeping reforms in various sectors, including politics, society, finance, law, administration, and security.

First General Strike in Years

The general strike marked Argentina's first in over four years and was organized remarkably quickly within President Milei's term since the return of democracy in 1983. In contrast, his predecessor, Alberto Fernández, did not face any general strikes during his tenure.

Despite the challenges, Milei maintains support from over half of respondents in recent polls, even amidst rising inflation and mass layoffs in state-owned firms.

Government's Response and Strike Impact

Security Minister Patricia Bullrich accused strike organizers of attempting to obstruct the changes Argentines voted for in the November election. President Milei's spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, emphasized the administration's stance against those trying to halt progress and display antidemocratic behavior.

The government warned that protesters would be prevented from blocking roads, as seen in a previous demonstration in December, and could face arrest. However, the strike's impact was relatively limited in Buenos Aires neighborhoods during the initial hours, with banks, gas stations, public administration, healthcare services, and trash collection operating on a limited basis.

Public transportation workers planned to strike later in the evening, affecting services in Buenos Aires and surrounding areas, but daytime operations would continue to facilitate protesters' access to the plaza in front of Congress.

Airports remained open, but the state-owned airline Aerolineas Argentinas canceled 267 flights and rescheduled others, disrupting travel plans for over 17,000 passengers.

Key Aspects of Milei's Policies

Milei's decree restricted the right to strike for essential workers in healthcare, education, and transportation, while introducing new compensation mechanisms to simplify employee dismissals. It also allowed workers to directly pay private healthcare providers, bypassing unions and potentially reducing their revenue.

Milei's proposed omnibus bill aims to establish economic stability and growth, aiming to control inflation and alleviate poverty, which affects a significant portion of the population.

The bill is currently being debated in the Lower House, and a vote is expected soon.