Buenos Aires is bracing for a major exhibition this Thursday as some of Argentina’s most powerful unions prepare to march on Plaza de Mayo. The protest, scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM, is a direct response to the economic policies of President Javier Milei, which labor leaders say threaten the livelihoods of working Argentines.
The march, expected to culminate in a rally at 1:00 PM, is being billed as a “federal march” with the rallying cry ”the country is not for sale.” Organizers,representing a broad coalition of unions including the CTA-T,CTA-A,ATE,and key CGT affiliates,are demanding “an Argentina without hunger,with peace,social justice,and sovereignty.”
Security is tight in the capital, with authorities implementing an anti-picket protocol involving a unified command and federal forces. Officials anticipate the march will conclude by 3:00 PM to allow for the customary afternoon rounds of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo.
The demonstration marks a critically important moment for the Argentine labor movement, with the participation of prominent union leaders like Abel Furlán of the Metallurgical Workers Union (UOM) and Sergio Palazzo of La Bancaria. Notably, the call also extends to the dialogue sector of the CGT, led by Héctor Daer and Carlos Acuña, with the expected presence of Pablo Moyano, who recently resigned from the CGT leadership and is actively forming a new union front.
“The country is not for sale,” declared Moyano in a recent statement, highlighting the core message of the protest. “We are fighting for an Argentina without hunger,with peace,social justice,and sovereignty.”
Other influential unions allied with Moyano, including SMATA led by Mario Manrique, the Aeronautics union headed by Pablo Biró and juan Pablo Brey, and the teachers’ unions under the leadership of Hugo yasky, Sonia Alesso, and Roberto Baradel, are also expected to participate.
The march is expected to draw thousands of participants and promises to be a significant show of force by Argentina’s labor movement, sending a clear message to the Milei governance about the concerns and demands of working people.
Union March to plaza de Mayo Expected to Cause Traffic Disruptions in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is bracing for significant traffic disruptions on Wednesday as various union blocs converge on Plaza de mayo for a major demonstration. The march,scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM local time,is expected to impact several key thoroughfares in the city center.
Motorists should anticipate delays and potential road closures along the following routes:
- Avenida de Mayo and 9 de Julio
- July 9 and Diagonal Norte
- Belgrano and July 9
- Diagonal North and Esmeralda
The main rally is scheduled to take place in front of the Casa Rosada at 1:00 PM, culminating in a public address.
“We have declared a state strike for that same day, and on Monday we are going to meet with more than 30 state unions that are going to join the mobilization in Plaza de Mayo,” Rodolfo Aguiar, general secretary of ATE, told TN.
This demonstration marks a significant escalation in tensions between the government and labor unions, with the CGT leadership’s refusal to endorse the strike playing a key role in Pablo Moyano’s decision to organize the march independently. This move echoes his father’s actions in the 1990s, when he distanced himself from unions aligned with the Menem administration.
The march is expected to draw support from various political groups and social movements aligned with Kirchnerism, including la Cámpora, La Patria es el Otro, and the Union of Workers of the Popular Economy (UTEP).
Organizers say the mobilization aims to showcase the strength of the more militant unions and express their opposition to the government’s austerity measures.This comes amid a weakening of traditional picketing tactics, which have faced increased scrutiny and criticism.
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Please find below an expert interview regarding the upcoming union protests in Buenos Aires.
## A Nation on Edge: Exploring the Roots of Argentina’s Labor Unrest
**World Today News:** Professor Sanchez, Buenos Aires is bracing for a massive union exhibition this week. Can you shed some light on the primary factors driving this mobilization?
**professor Mariana Sanchez, Sociologist adn Labor Expert at the university of Buenos Aires:**
The current wave of labor unrest stems from a confluence of anxieties and grievances. President Milei’s newly implemented economic policies, characterized by austerity measures and free-market reforms, have triggered deep unease among working Argentines.
**World Today News:** What specific policies are most concerning to the unions?
**Professor Sanchez:**
Several policies are fueling the discontent. Proposed cuts to public sector jobs,reduced social welfare programs,and discussions around labor market deregulation are seen as direct threats to workers’ livelihoods and hard-won rights. Unions fear these measures will exacerbate existing inequalities and potentially push vulnerable segments of the population into deeper poverty.
**World Today News:** This demonstration is being framed as a “federal march,” uniting unions from across Argentina.What does this widespread participation signify?
**Professor Sanchez:** The scale and scope of this protest underscore the gravity of the situation.
The fact that unions from different sectors and geographic regions have come together signifies a deep sense of shared concern and a determination to resist policies perceived as detrimental to the collective well-being.
**World Today News:** How is President Milei’s government responding to these protests?
**Professor Sanchez:**
The government has maintained a firm stance, emphasizing the need for economic restructuring to address Argentina’s longstanding economic challenges. Though, they have also acknowledged the need for dialog and are reaching out to union leaders in an attempt to find common ground.
**World Today News:** Moving forward, what are the potential ramifications of this unfolding labor conflict?
**Professor Sanchez:**
This situation is highly volatile and could escalate depending on the government’s response and the unions’ future actions. A prolonged stand-off could lead to social unrest, economic instability, and further divisions within Argentine society.
Dialogue and compromise are crucial to prevent a deepening of this crisis.
**world Today News:** Thank you for your insights, Professor Sanchez.
**Professor Sanchez:**
My pleasure. It is crucial to closely monitor these developments as they will have meaningful consequences for Argentina’s future.
