First incidents with the police: unions distance themselves from the left and demand another general strike with mobilization from the CGT
Unions in Argentina are calling for a general strike after clashes with police during a protest, distancing themselves from leftist groups involved.
In Argentina, incidents have erupted between leftist protesters and police during a demonstration demanding a general strike from the Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT). A unified group of unions, organized by the Frente de Sindicatos Unidos, held their own mobilization separate from the leftist factions, which had confrontations with security forces at the National Congress. The unions criticized the leftists for their actions, as they sought to distance themselves from the chaos that ensued during the protests.
Abel Furlán, the head of the CGT, stated that a potential new session in Congress may prompt the unions to call for a 36-hour general strike with mobilization. The tension during the protest escalated when leftist demonstrators attempted to dismantle police barricades, leading to police using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. This highlights the deepening divisions within the labor movement in Argentina, as different factions pursue various strategies in response to government policies and economic concerns.
The union's actions reflect growing unrest among workers in response to economic pressures and the government's handling of labor issues. By positioning themselves apart from the more radical leftist elements, the CGT and other unions are signaling their intent to lead the labor movement in a more moderate direction while still confronting the government. The implications of this rift could reshape future labor actions and how effectively unions can mobilize workers in Argentina amidst the ongoing economic crisis.