Argentina's Largest Union Plans Nationwide Strike Against Milei's Austerity Reforms

Argentina’s most influential labor organization, the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), has announced a 24-hour nationwide strike set for April 10. The strike targets President Javier Milei’s sweeping austerity measures, which, while reducing inflation, have sparked growing concerns over mass layoffs and declining consumer purchasing power.

This marks the CGT’s third major protest against Milei’s government, which has introduced aggressive economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the country's struggling economy. Although inflation has significantly decreased under Milei’s leadership, unions argue that the sharp cuts to public spending are costing jobs and worsening living conditions for ordinary Argentines.

“We cannot simply stand by and watch these layoffs continue,” said CGT Secretary General Hector Daer. He emphasized that the rising unemployment rate is a central reason behind the strike, reflecting growing dissatisfaction among workers impacted by the administration’s policies.

The CGT, historically aligned with the opposition Peronist movement, is mobilizing its base to voice discontent and apply pressure on the government. The strike is expected to disrupt public services and major sectors nationwide.

In response, presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni dismissed the move as politically motivated, stating, “There is nothing that warrants a strike. Union leaders are only trying to harm the government.”

As Milei continues to push forward with his pro-market agenda, tensions between his administration and organized labor are reaching a boiling point. The upcoming strike is poised to be a significant test of both the president’s economic strategy and the unions’ influence in shaping public opinion and policy.