This Tuesday, public employees in Argentina began a 36-hour strike, marching from the Obelisk of Buenos Aires to the Ministry of Deregulation and State Transformation. This protest is in response to the low salaries, layoffs and cutback policies implemented by the Government of President Javier Milei.
The Association of State Workers (ATE), the main union of public employees in the country, organized this protest with the aim of “preventing the State from being usurped by large business groups,” according to a statement issued by the union.
Strike by public employees in Argentina
The president’s spokesman, Manuel Adorni, described the workers participating in the strike and protests as “privileged,” stating that they are defending their own “benefits.”
It is expected that air, rail and metro transport workers in Buenos Aires will join this strike starting at midnight on Wednesday. In addition, bus drivers will join in on Thursday, especially in the metropolitan area of the Argentine capital.
(EFE)
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**Interview: Understanding the Public Workers’ Strike in Argentina**
**Editor:** Today we have with us María González, a representative from the Association of State Workers (ATE), to discuss the ongoing public employees’ strike in Argentina. Welcome, María.
**María González:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** Can you start by explaining the main reasons for this 36-hour strike?
**María González:** Absolutely. The primary issues prompting this strike are the severe cuts to public services, the layoff of workers, and the consistently low salaries that public employees face under the current government led by President Javier Milei. We want to highlight how these policies affect not only our livelihoods but also the quality of services provided to the public.
**Editor:** The strike began at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires and was organized by ATE. What message do you hope to convey through this protest?
**María González:** By marching to the Ministry of Deregulation and State Transformation, we aim to send a clear message to the government: our state should not be compromised or usurped by large business interests. We believe firmly in public service and its critical role in our society. We are fighting for fair wages and to protect the jobs of our members.
**Editor:** President Milei’s spokesman characterized the strikers as “privileged” workers defending their own benefits. How do you respond to that?
**María González:** It’s disheartening to hear such comments. What we are fighting for are basic rights and fair compensation, not privileged benefits. This rhetoric attempts to undermine our struggle and dismiss the very real challenges we face as public workers. We deserve to have our voices heard.
**Editor:** The strike is expected to grow with air, rail, and metro workers joining in. How do you view the potential impact of this solidarity?
**María González:** Solidarity is crucial in any labor movement. The fact that other transport unions are joining us shows that this is not just an ATE issue; it’s a broader indication of dissatisfaction with the government’s policies. Together, we can amplify our message and push for change that benefits all workers and the public.
**Editor:** what are your hopes moving forward from this strike?
**María González:** Our hope is that the government will listen to our concerns and engage in meaningful dialogue. We want to secure fair wages, job stability, and a commitment to protecting public services. This is not just about us as workers; it’s about ensuring that all Argentinians have access to essential services and a government that values them.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, María. We will be following this story closely.
**María González:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep the conversation going.
