ARGENTINA: First general strike against Fernandez paralyzes parts of Buenos Aires

Record ID: 341054

  • Title: ARGENTINA: First general strike against Fernandez paralyzes parts of Buenos Aires
  • Date: 20th November 2012
  • Summary: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (NOVEMBER 20, 2012) (REUTERS) PANORAMIC VIEW OF BLOCKADE ON PUEYRREDON BRIDGE, A KEY CROSSING UNITING THE PROVINCE OF BUENOS AIRES WITH THE CAPITAL VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS SETTING FIRE TO TYRES ON FIRE PROTESTERS THROWING FIRECRACKERS VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS WITH SIGNS THAT SAY "PLAN: FIGHT UNTIL WIN" VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS SINGING ACCOMPANIED BY DRUMS P
  • Embargoed: 5th December 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Argentina
  • Country: Argentina
  • Topics: Economy,Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVAC205PELSICWZUQ7UTPNI5G0ET
  • Story Text: A 24-hour nationwide general strike kicks off in Argentina in protest against government of President Cristina Fernandez.



    A 24-hour nationwide general strike led by trade unions was in full swing in Argentina on Tuesday (November 20) - partially paralyzing the nation's capital of Buenos Aires.
    Some of the main entry points into the city, such as the Pueyrredon bridge linking the province of Buenos Aires to the capital were blockaded, cutting off the flow of traffic and causing havoc for commuters.
    The strike by bus drivers, train conductors and port, airline and bank workers, follows huge protests held on November 8 over insecurity, soaring inflation and the policy response of President Cristina Fernandez.
    Some disgruntled protesters burned tyres and set off firecrackers.
    Julio Ortellado, director of the CTA, one of the unions leading the strike, emphasized the need for change and dialogue.
    "Today we have already surpassed the act of resistance and we are going for more with very concrete proposals. We have proposals regarding the distribution of wealth, and proposals about where the money needs to come from so that there is no more misery in our communities. What we do not have is the possibility of discussing these issues and this is what we want, that they open the channels necessary for dialogue," said Ortellado.
    While some bus, train and subway lines continue to operate amidst the strike, many streets in the normally hectic capital were unusually empty.
    This is the first general strike Fernandez has faced in her nearly five years in office and the first to hit the country in a decade.
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