The General Confederation of Labour (CGT) stands as Argentina’s most prominent labor federation. In a move echoed by various social groups, the far right announced a general strike for Thursday, January 24, 2024. Organizers framed the protest as a stand against a Decree of Necessity and Urgency (DNU) issued by the government as part of a broader set of economic and political reforms. Critics described the DNU as a neoliberal push and said it would erode workers’ rights and essential public services. The action was positioned as a test of how economic policy would be steered during this period and as a signal that labor voices would challenge rapid market-oriented changes.
Protest planners expected the strike to start at noon local time and run through midnight, culminating in a mobilization across central Buenos Aires and a coordinated stand outside Congress. The government, conversely, indicated it would advance a sweeping omnibus bill designed to consolidate macroeconomic measures. Supporters argued that the package was needed to address long-standing vulnerabilities, create fiscal space, and unlock investments with potential benefits across multiple sectors. Critics warned that broad reforms could undermine protections and widen inequality, especially for vulnerable communities.
CGT leaders, speaking to national media, asserted that the core objective was to push Parliament toward decisive action in favor of workers and civil society. They contended that a substantial portion of any adjustment should come through policy changes that safeguard labor rights, protect vital public services, and ensure a fair transition for those affected by austerity. The affiliates emphasized that political processes in Congress must remain accountable as the economy evolves. They underscored the necessity of public dialogue involving unions, community organizations, and workers who depend on social protections to strengthen a more equitable framework.
The days ahead of Thursday saw tens of thousands of Argentinians rally in central Buenos Aires in support of the CGT and allied organizations. The demonstration became a focal point for those opposing the reform agenda proposed by Milei’s administration, which includes plans to repeal or substantially modify several laws shaping labor markets, health policies, and social welfare. The mobilization reflected broad concerns about how structural changes could affect living standards, job security, and the social safety net. Proponents argued that some reforms were required to modernize an economy grappling with inflation and public debt, while opponents contended that protections built up through decades of labor organizing were at risk.
Beyond the immediate dispute over the DNU, discussions circulated about a proposed public and economic emergency framework that might stretch into late 2025. Policymakers debated how to balance fiscal discipline with social protection. Critics argued that prolonged emergency measures could chill investment and place a heavier burden on workers and small businesses. Supporters contended that temporary emergency powers could restore stability and create room for targeted reforms that might eventually yield broader benefits. The debate touched on privatizing certain public enterprises, shifts in the labor market, health policy reforms, and revisions to rent laws—topics that have long stirred contention in Argentine political and economic life.
Historically, the CGT has played a central role in Argentina’s labor politics, often mobilizing broad coalitions to challenge government policy and defend workers’ rights. The most recent general strike call by the CGT occurred in May 2019, coinciding with a transition in government leadership that brought a new administration to power. That moment marked a significant checkpoint in the country’s political landscape, shaping subsequent labor mobilizations. The current context raises questions about how unions adapt to a rapidly changing economy, how political actors coordinate with social groups, and what policy instruments may eventually deliver both macroeconomic stability and social equity. The outcome of the day’s events would influence perceptions of balance among the executive, the legislative branch, and civil society as Argentina faces ongoing economic pressures and a shifting political dynamic.