Milei's Argentina: Strike Three

Argentine rail workers initiated a 24-hour strike on April 12, 2025, in protest against wage cuts and deteriorating working conditions under the government of President Javier Milei. The strike, organized by La Fraternidad, the train drivers’ union, paralyzed the nation's rail network, impacting commuter and freight services. The union stated the strike was a response to the government's failure to offer adequate wage increases to offset rampant inflation, which continues to erode workers' purchasing power. La Fraternidad also expressed concerns about underfunding and neglect leading to unsafe working conditions and a potential collapse of the rail system. They emphasized the government's priorities lay elsewhere, specifically in budget cuts and privatization, ultimately harming the workforce and public services. The strike occurred against a backdrop of broader social unrest fuelled by Milei's austerity measures aimed at stabilizing the economy. These measures include significant cuts to public spending and privatization plans, which have triggered widespread protests and strikes across various sectors. The rail strike symbolizes the growing resistance to these policies, with workers demanding fair wages, improved working conditions, and the protection of public services. The timing of the strike coincided with the IMF's announcement of a $20 billion loan to the Milei administration, further highlighting the government's reliance on international financial institutions. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/04/14/ttep-a14.html