Public transport services, banks and rubbish collection are among the key services that will be halted tomorrow, due to workers adhering to a 24-hour general strike called by transport and other trade unions.
The UTA transport syndicate, Hugo Moyano’s CGT Azopardo umbrella union and the CGT blue and white of gastronomic chief Luis Barrionuevo pledged to down tools starting at midnight, which will cause many key sectors to shut down. Additionally, promised roadblocks and pickets by Socialist Workers Party militants will cause further problems in transport.
Certain sectors, such as the railways, do not adhere unanimously to the strike; but despite ticket collectors and guards deciding to keep working, the stoppage from drivers will cut services.
The principal areas affected are:
– Buses: No short, medium or long-distance passenger services across the country.
– Trains: The drivers’ strike will bring all lines to a standstill.
– Subways: The B line is confirmed as closed. The rest of the network could run with delays, although the adherence of the UTA to strike action will complicate services and the union itself asserted that the subways would not function.
– Taxis: The taxi-drivers’ union will not join the strike, but independent operators will, meaning a limited service complicated by the impossibility of filling up petrol tanks.
– Banks: No public services across the country.
– Cargo transport: No trucks will circulate with goods.
– Fuel: Petrol stations closed due to the strike.
– Gastronomy: Partially affected, although low union representation in the industry means many bars and restaurants will be open.
– Commercial outlets: Did not join the strike, but could be affected by transport difficulties.
– Education: Schools in interior of the country more affected by striking teachers. CTERA, USA and SADOP unions will not join. Technical schools will be closed, while universities use a partial timetable.
– Public administration: Severely limited services.
– Public hospitals: Emergency cases only.
– Courts: No activity.
– Ports: Closed due to the strike.
– Countryside: Rural workers to observe strike measures.
– Tolls: Workers at toll booths join the strike nationwide.
– Waste disposal: Garbage collection will not take place. The City government advises residents to avoid taking out garbage this evening or tomorrow.
Source: Buenos Aires Herald