Argentina public workers strike to protest layoffs
Tens of thousands of public workers across Argentina have staged a one-day strike to protest against soaring inflation and widespread job cuts by the administration of President Mauricio Macri.
Unions representing public workers, including hospital staffers and government office workers, participated in the walkout that was held in cities, including Buenos Aires and Cordoba, on Wednesday.
They demanded an end to the trimming of payrolls and called on the government to hire back thousands of workers, who have been fired.
“This is our response to the government layoffs,” said Ricardo Peidro, general secretary of Center of Workers of Argentina (CTA). “It would be even a greater offense to us, if the government continues to fire more people.”
Several other groups also took to major streets in Buenos Aires, the capital and largest city of Argentina.
“Some reporters asked us what we are asking for. We have achieved our primary goal -- uniting every government employee to fight for our rights,” said Hugo Godoy, general secretary of the Association of State Workers (ATE).
“If the government doesn't respond, we will continue with forceful measures,” he said.
Argentina’s teachers’ unions, who say they were promised a 32-percent wage increase, have also threatened to take action.
It was the first such strike since Macri took office in December 2015, with promises to revive the country’s ailing economy.
Macri, who accused former President Cristina Fernandez of over-hiring, has cut spending and jobs across agencies.
The administration says 6,200 workers have been laid off and more layoffs may be coming. Unions say almost 21,000 public sector workers have lost their jobs.
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