Argentina: general strike called for Mar 31

General strike being called on March 31 by 21 transport unions, covering sea, land and air transport.

Transport unions have picked March 31 for the next general strike while at the same time sending signals that a reunification among transport unions is on the cards.

Citing continued frustrations over the government’s lack of a response to their calls for changes to the income tax floor, increased benefits for pensioners and over inflation, the 21 transport unions covering sea, land and air transport unanimously decided in favour of a 24-hour strike.

The success of recent national strikes have hinged on the participation of the transport unions, with the suspension of bus and train services particularly affecting those needing to travel to and from the City from Greater Buenos Aires.

In a nod to the acrimonious relationship with the government, an unnamed union leader was cited by DyN as saying that “this is a gesture for the president on her birthday.”

In addition, the unions announced that on April 8 a “normalizing congress” will be held between the two transport umbrella unions, the UGATT and the CATT.

Documents criticizing the recent deals signed with China and urging the factions within the divided CGT umbrella union to “speak as one voice” were also approved by the heads of the transport unions.

http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/182429/transport-unions-call-for-march-31-general-strike