Opposition CGT union leader Hugo Moyano has described the national transport strike carried out today as a “success” and stated he expects an “answer” from the government as regards their claim towards an income tax reform.
“I don’t want to discuss numbers, the only thing we want to say is that the strike was a success,” Moyano told reporters during a press conference held at the CGT headquarters in Buenos Aires City.
Moyano highlighted the «high number» of unions that joined the strike, as well as individual “workers who decided not to go to work.”
“Workers have expressed themselves. They demand an answer form the government; we expect an answer from the government,” said Moyano as regards today’s strike main claim: the elimination of the income tax.
CTA leader Pablo Micheli echoed Moyano’s statements and justified today’s walk out saying wages are currently “crushed” by taxes: “Salary is not profit,” he said, arguing wages should not be taxed.
“We are fighting for better salaries,” Micheli said.
The union leaders all demanded a reaction from the federal government after the strike, but acknowledged such response is not likely to happen after officials questioned the walk out’s main objectives earlier today.
Yesterday, Kicillof said the income tax is “correct.”
“We are thinking of continuing with a strike plan,” Blue and White CGT leader Luis Barrionuevo said, confirming the possibility of an upcoming 36 hour strike that could include a rally at Plaza de Mayo square.
Moyano said they all were “leaning towards” that alternative if the government does not answer their claims.
“We are leaning towards the 36 hour strike. The government is destroying workers salaries and jobs, and they say I work for the political right… What is the left then, Lázaro Báez?” Moyano said referring to the controversial businessman.
Source: Buenos Aires Herald