28/07/2026 03:23 - Politica
On July 27, 2026, the Asociación Trabajadores del Estado (ATE) – Argentina's largest state workers' union – resolved to call a national strike and mobilization toward the Ministry of Economy for Monday, August 3. The measure, announced from the Hotel Quagliaro in Buenos Aires, aims to demand an emergency salary increase, stop layoffs in public administration, and prevent the dismantling of state agencies.
The protest will coincide with the start of the school term in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and other districts after the winter break. ATE is evaluating a joint march with the Confederation of Education Workers (CTERA), amplifying the social demand.
ATE's national secretary general, Rodolfo Aguiar, detailed the sector's situation: “State workers' salaries would need to be more than double what they are now.” He added that the cut applied in collective bargaining – over 45% in purchasing power – is compounded by a 919% increase in public utility rates (electricity, gas, water, transport) since President Javier Milei took office in December 2023.
According to union data, in the first half of 2026, salary increases in the National Public Administration accumulated only 12.9% through June, while inflation in the same period reached 16.9%. This gap deepens the loss of purchasing power for workers.
Aguiar also warned about a growing phenomenon among public employees: debt. “The level of indebtedness of state workers is alarming,” he said. The union leader noted that workers have surpassed formal institutions like banks and mutuals, now resorting to neighborhood loan sharks – a situation that puts the integrity of those taking such loans at risk.
This announcement comes during a key week, marked by the visit to Argentina of Kristalina Georgieva, head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who met with President Milei and Economy Minister Luis Caputo. While the government celebrates a drop in year-on-year inflation, the Torcuato Di Tella University reported that the Government Confidence Index (ICG) fell in July to 1.94 points out of 5. ATE already has a new National Day of Struggle planned for August 7, the feast of San Cayetano (patron saint of bread and work), together with the CGT (General Confederation of Labor) and UTEP (Popular Economy Workers' Union) under the slogans of Peace, Bread, Land, Roof, and Work.
Beyond legitimate union conflict, the current scenario invites hope in democratic dialogue. The strike measures aim to make workers' difficulties visible, opening the door for the parties to find common ground that guarantees the well-being of state employees and the normal provision of public services for all society. Institutional respect and the search for consensus are the best tools to move toward a future of greater equity and development.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
