Dialogue and Hope in the Argentine University Conflict
This Wednesday, August 12, 2026, public universities in Argentina are experiencing a 24-hour strike called by various unions. However, there is a strong institutional push to find common ground and ensure students can continue their education.
Context for our international readers: In Argentina, public universities are tuition-free and funded by the State. The University of Buenos Aires (UBA) is the largest and most prestigious in the country. A strike (or 'paro' in Spanish) is a common measure used by unions to negotiate labor conditions and funding.
UBA's Stance: Doors Open
The UBA announced that its facilities will remain open during the strike. Vice-rector Emiliano Yacobitti stated that participation in the strike is a personal choice for each teacher and non-teaching worker. This approach prioritizes institutional continuity and students' right to attend classes.
The strike was promoted by federations such as FEDUN, FAGDUT, FATUN, and CONADU Histórica. They are advocating for the effective implementation of the University Financing Law (Law 27.795), a salary update, and the allocation of funds for university hospitals.
The National Government's Response
The Ministry of Human Capital (which oversees education in the current administration), led by Sandra Pettovello, reaffirmed its commitment to salary payments. The ministry characterized the strike as political, arguing there is no breach of duty by the Executive branch.
According to official statements, the Government has already transferred $666,823,011,021 ARS (Argentine Pesos) for personnel expenses and salary increases for June and the first installment of the annual supplementary bonus (SAC), plus $448,544,808,500 ARS for July. Additionally, $20,000,000,000 ARS were sent to UBA's university hospitals. The next wage negotiation meeting is scheduled for September 1, 2026.
Union Demands
The union organizations argue that the wage agreement signed on June 10, which established a 24.33% increase, is insufficient to cover the loss of purchasing power. They are requesting a recomposition of around 28.5% based on November 2023 values.
Furthermore, they demand an extraordinary allocation of $50,000 million ARS for university hospitals. They also noted that Law 27.795 was passed by Congress nearly 300 days ago and has yet to be fully implemented.
Judicial Intervention and Next Steps
Judge Martín Cormick of the Federal Administrative Litigation Court No. 11 has called a hearing for August 21, 2026 to help resolve the conflict. This initiative was proposed by the UBA and accepted by the Government. The National Inter-University Council (CIN) will attend, hoping to make immediate progress on the issue.
In June 2026, the Supreme Court upheld a preliminary injunction requiring the Government to apply the salary update and scholarship articles of Law 27.795, paving the way for a hopeful resolution. If no agreement is reached, CONADU Histórica has planned a strike from August 18 to 22, though both parties remain optimistic that dialogue will prevail.
Sources: Ministry of Human Capital, TN, Infobae and Ámbito.