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Teachers Union Calls 24-Hour Strike in Argentina's Entre Ríos Province Over Salary and Pension Disputes

22/06/2026 15:39 - Politica

Docentes de AGMER manifestándose frente al Senado de Entre Ríos con banderas gremiales y carteles de rechazo a la reforma previsional

A major educational and social conflict is unfolding in Entre Ríos, one of Argentina's most important agricultural provinces located between Buenos Aires and the Uruguayan border. AGMER (the Association of Teachers of Entre Ríos) has confirmed a 24-hour strike for Wednesday, June 24th, demanding salary negotiations and opposing the provincial pension reform.

Understanding the Salary Crisis

For international readers, it's important to understand that Argentina faces chronic inflation—one of the highest in the world. The teachers' union secretary, Lía Fimpel, explained that the government granted a mere 3.5% increase by decree, while accumulated inflation has already reached 16.7%.

"What we had this year was a 3.5% increase by decree, when inflation is already at 16.7%, with a salary base from November and a wage loss that worsens every day."

The union leader warned about increasing teacher debt and work overload. "Even with two jobs or side businesses, teachers can't make it to mid-month," she stated.

📚 Context for Foreign Readers

Paritarias is Argentina's system of collective bargaining negotiations between unions, employers, and government. Teachers demand genuine negotiations rather than unilateral government decrees.

Key Numbers

Salary increase: 3.5%

Inflation: 16.7%

Base month: November 2025

Strike: 24 hours (Wed 06/24)

The Collective Bargaining Demand

The union demands reopening genuine salary negotiations. "We're calling for real dialogue through collective bargaining, not unilateral decisions," Fimpel emphasized.

Teachers rejected previous proposals because they included non-remunerative sums—payments that don't count toward pensions or social security benefits. "We cannot accept under-the-table payments. They're unconstitutional and don't contribute to the Pension Fund or health insurance," the union leader argued.

The Controversial Pension Reform

The strike coincides with public hearings in the provincial Senate regarding the pension reform bill promoted by Governor Rogelio Frigerio. The initiative faces strong opposition from unions and social organizations.

Proposed Reform Highlights
  • Retirement age: 65 years (68 for new contributors)
  • Years of service: 35 years of contributions
  • Benefit calculation: 82% of last 240 salaries
  • Extraordinary contribution: from approx. $3 million Argentine pesos (tiered up to 8%)
  • Employer contribution: 3% increase
  • Emergency period: until 12/31/2027 (extendable)

On Tuesday June 23rd and Wednesday June 24th, the Budget and Treasury Committee and Constitutional Affairs Committee will hear from mayors from the Justicialist Party (PJ), the opposition coalition Juntos por el Cambio, and neighborhood associations, plus pension law specialists.

Senate Hearing Schedule

The legislative calendar includes:

DayTimeActivity
Tuesday 06/2312:00General Legislation Committee - Bill to repeal discretionary pensions
Tuesday 06/2315:00Mayors from PJ, Juntos, and neighborhood associations
Wednesday 06/249:00Daniel Elías (former Pension Fund president)
Wednesday 06/2410:30Santiago Esquivel (Bar Association representative)
Wednesday 06/2416:00Emilio Castrillón and Raymundo Kisser (specialists)

Social Mobilization and Resistance

The Multi-sector Coalition in Defense of the Pension Fund maintains a camp-out at Plaza Mansilla (a central square in Paraná, the provincial capital) and has called for demonstrations across various cities. According to AGMER, the reform is "regressive in terms of rights" and will affect both active workers and retirees.

🏛️ What is Plaza Mansilla?

Located in downtown Paraná (Entre Ríos capital city), this historic square is a traditional gathering point for social protests and civic demonstrations. It's named after Argentine writer and educator Dardo Mansilla.

The senator presiding over the committee announced they expect to draft the final report during the first or second week of July, after concluding all public hearings.

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