Argentina: Education union calls for nationwide protests August 30 /update 1

Event

The university professors' union Conadu (Confederación Nacional de Docentes Universitarios) is calling for nationwide marches to be held on Thursday, August 30. In Buenos Aires, protesters will gather outside of the National Congress building at 17:00 (local time) before marching to the Ministry of Education. Associated rallies are expected to be held in other major urban centers across the country. As of Sunday, August 26, it is unclear how many people will attend the demonstration. However, heightened security measures and localize traffic disruptions are anticipated around all protests.

Context

University professors affiliated with Conadu held a week-long strike from August 20 through August 24 in all 57 of Argentina’s public universities. The strike was organized to demand increased salaries amid high inflation.

Sociopolitical tensions are high in Argentina and protests are regularly organized to denounce economic issues and policies implemented by the conservative government of President Mauricio Macri. Numerous teacher strikes have also taken place in recent months and years, notably in the province of Buenos Aires.

Advice

Individuals in Argentina are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution.