MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
General strike in Argentina; Macri hosts the World Economic Forum
Macri complained during a speech Wednesday that the strike “does not help workers at all,” accusing unions of “mafia-like behavior.” Workers are committed to a general strike in recession-hit Argentina on Thursday, drawing complaints from conservative President Mauricio Macri as he prepares to host leaders and business people for an economic forum.
The strike raises pressure on Macri as he struggles to help Argentina recover from recession ahead of mid-term legislative elections in October.
Macri took office in December 2015 vowing to rescue the flagging economy, open up trade and draw investment after 12 years of populist government. However the economy remains bogged down, having shrunk 2.3% last year, though it ticked upwards in January.
However official figures show that a third of Argentine living in poverty, according to official figures. Inflation is in double figures while jobs and salaries have been cut in Macri's efforts to stabilize public finances.
But these reforms have sparked mass street protests over recent months, culminating in Thursday's planned strike. Three major labor unions have called for a general stoppage, though it remains to be seen to what extent it will be followed.
Macri complained during a speech Wednesday that the strike “does not help workers at all,” accusing unions of “mafia-like behavior.”
This week also tens of thousands turned out in the streets of Buenos Aires and main cities in support of democracy, right to work and to protest what is considered the powerful organized labor unions bullying. Allegedly the demonstration with Argentine flags was spontaneous, organized through the social networks, and allegedly with no government meddling, although it was the main beneficiary.
The strike on Thursday coincides with the World Economic Forum on Latin America, which draws business and political leaders to Buenos Aires.
Top Comments
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Read all commentsFantastic idea. Go on strike and take the day off, it will do wonders for the economy, all union leaders are the same wherever you are. The workers lose a days pay at least and the union bosses lose nothing as the workers are paying for them.The unions and government should sit round a table and discuss their grievencies and be serious about it.
Apr 06th, 2017 - 10:34 am +4I saw that one K politician posted an image of a policeman apparently attacking a protester with some comment about it being a police state under Macri...except the photo he used was an old one from when CFK was in power!
Apr 07th, 2017 - 05:46 pm +4I think Macri should clip the wings of the unions. The primary aim of unions should be to protect their workers' interests not to attack government. How can shutting everything down on the day a group of potential investors visit ever protect their workers' interests?
In the UK, Maggie Thatcher changed the rules so that strikes were only legal if a majority of the workers voted for the strike. The leaders could no longer call a strike without this evidence of their member's support. Makes perfect sense - they can still go on strike if they want to but they can no longer be forced to strike by politically motivated leaders. This change had a huge beneficial effect on the economy.
Enrique,
Apr 07th, 2017 - 06:01 am +3Rhetorical questions, only.
““There is no plan B,” said Macri...”
Well, Enrique, what would you do differently??
Tell us how that would work??
See, I am asking questions, but you cannot answer.
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