Argentina’s major trade unions and social organizations have launched a series of protests in Buenos Aires to oppose labor reforms and budget cuts implemented by the Government of Javier Milei. The demonstrations focus on the erosion of workers’ rights and a significant decline in purchasing power, with union leaders claiming the national minimum wage has become the lowest in Latin America when measured in U.S. dollars.
The mobilization marks a formal alliance between the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), both factions of the Argentine Workers’ Central (CTA), and the Union of Workers of the Popular Economy (UTEP). These groups are coordinating a “French-style” action plan to channel public discontent over austerity measures affecting public health, education, and pensions.
Hugo Yasky, secretary general of the CTA, stated that the current economic trajectory has led to an increase in informal employment and a rise in unemployment. According to Yasky, the Salario Mínimo, Vital y Móvil (Minimum, Vital and Mobile Wage) currently stands at 372.989 pesos, which is approximately $250, making it the lowest in the region in dollar terms.
Labor Market Shifts and Unemployment Trends
Official data indicates that unemployment in Argentina reached 7,8% during the first quarter of the year.
Union leaders argue that the labor reform approved in February has stripped workers of essential protections. Hugo Yasky noted that while the three main trade unions attempted to block the reforms through strikes early in the administration, some leaders later pivoted toward a strategy of dialogue. Yasky now asserts that the government has shown no willingness to engage in such negotiations.
Impact on Pensioners and Public Services
Retirees have become a central pillar of the protests, gathering every Wednesday in front of the National Congress. This group is identified by union organizers as the sector most severely impacted by the executive’s spending cuts. A primary point of contention is the reported plan by the Milei administration to privatize the social security system.
Walter Piriz, a retired metallurgical worker, reported receiving slightly more than the minimum pension of 481 mil pesos (approximately $322), stating the amount is insufficient for basic needs. Protesters have reported clashes with security forces during these gatherings, including the use of pepper spray by police during operations against social organizations at the entrances to Buenos Aires.
The CGT emphasized in an official document that their marches aim to ensure pensions can guarantee a dignified life, arguing that retirees should not have to choose between purchasing medication and buying food.
Escalation of Direct Action and Political Tension
The current protests are described by union leadership as a prologue to a broader scheme of direct action. The next significant milestone is scheduled for August 7, coinciding with the traditional San Cayetano march, a key annual event for popular movements in Argentina.
Andrés Rodríguez, secretary general adjunto of the CGT, stated that the social climate has shifted as the “fictitious freeze” of the country—which he attributed to the atmosphere of the World Cup—has ended, bringing daily economic struggles back to the forefront. While no date has been set, union leaders have signaled the possibility of a general strike if the Casa Rosada continues to block negotiation channels.
The protests have also highlighted a stark contrast in income. While workers face wage declines, Argentine senators are scheduled to receive gross monthly salaries of nearly 12 millones de pesos (over 8.000 dólares) starting in August, due to an automatic update system linked to the salaries of Congressional employees.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the movement is the San Cayetano march on August 7.
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