Argentina expands the boundary over the right to strike

Argentina’s trade unions reacted to a decree released by President Xavier Milli on Thursday, which curb the right to strike in education, shipping and other fields.In a decree published on Wednesday, Liberterian Milli added several areas to a list of essential services, whose workers need to provide adequate level of service during the strike.In the previous list, air traffic controller, hospital staff and energy sector workers were designated as essential workers.Milei added education, fluvial and maritime shipping, port services, customs and telecommunications at Tally.The main labor Confederation, CGT, stated that the decree “tries to eradicate the right to strike in Argentina, swoop without a debate or prior analysis.”Previously, in the event of strike, companies, unions and public authorities needed to compromise on which level of activity would be maintained.Under the new decree, workers in listed areas should ensure 75 percent service level.The decree also establishes a new category of manufacturing, food supply and transport companies covering a new category, in which strikers will have to maintain 50 percent service levelFailure to comply can result in fines and restrictions for trade unions.Matias Kremontte, president of the Latin American Association of Labor lawyers, said the new rules were “unconstitutional” as they prevented workers from exercising the right to strike.Trade unions have staged a general strike in Argentina, as Mile, an economist, came to power in a deep deduction in state spending in December 2023.