Schools in the Province of Buenos Aires are facing their second consecutive Monday of interruptions to classes due to a strike organized by a union of state workers, ATE. This strike coincides with International Women’s Day on March 8, a day dedicated to acknowledging the struggles of working women. Initially, classes were expected to begin on March 2, but a national strike and protests over salary demands resulted in children missing the traditional ‘first day’ of school.

The decision by ATE to call on its members to participate in the strike on March 9 complicates the reopening of educational institutions. The strike impacts the maintenance of school facilities and the functioning of school cafeterias, which are managed by janitors and other support staff affiliated with the union. As a result, students will find themselves again unable to attend classes, exacerbating the disruption to their education.

The implications of this strike extend beyond just missed school days; it highlights ongoing issues in the education sector related to working conditions and pay for staff. By aligning their actions with International Women’s Day, the union aims to raise awareness of broader social issues affecting women in the workforce, indicating a strategic move to draw attention to both labor rights and gender equality issues.