Argentina’s transportation unions have joined forces to stage a 24-hour strike this Wednesday against the government led by President Javier Milei. The action is aimed at securing higher wages and protecting jobs, and it will ripple across rail services, air travel, road freight, and port operations. Buses are set to participate only partially, reflecting a broad but cautious approach within the sector. The umbrella federation that represents workers in the transportation sector decided to push ahead with the protest, while some groups plan a separate action on Thursday. Each day, millions of people travel from the city outskirts into Buenos Aires, with rail transport carrying a large share of that movement. Milei’s spokesman, Manuel Adorni, condemned the protest, and university students and teachers are also prepared to join the demonstrations. He stated that those who can stop will stop, arguing that the actions defend privileges for a few at the expense of the vast majority of Argentines.
“The strike will be significant,” said the leader of the truckers, Pablo Moyano. He added that there would be road blockages, community kitchens in major plazas, and multiple demonstrations across the country. The General Confederation of Labor, CGT, the main workers’ umbrella in the country, has effectively split in practice over how to confront the social crisis, factory closures, and rising unemployment. One faction looks to public polls and believes now is not the moment to challenge the ultraright administration. Moyano, in contrast, is among the leaders who oppose Milei more decisively and hopes the government takes note that a large segment of the population is struggling.
The transport sector will count on the backing of social movements on Wednesday, forming a broader alliance that has clashed with the government since it took office last December. The Union of Workers in the Popular Economy, UTEP, plans a national day of action against hunger to draw attention to the hardship facing millions of families. Leftist groups and other unions representing public workers will also join. They argued that the adjustment measures hit the broad public rather than elite circles, raising tariffs and eroding purchasing power, while triggering layoffs and the weakening of rights protected by the Constitution amid a severe recession. They claimed that the beneficiaries of Milei’s policies are the large economic groups and the financial operators who feed the market.
The transport stoppage will coincide with a 36-hour strike launched earlier this week by public employees protesting stagnant wages, job cuts, and austerity measures from the ultraconservative government. The convergence of these actions signals a wider mobilization as workers seek to slow the momentum of policy changes they view as harmful to daily living standards and long-term economic security.