Weekly Report - 11 June 2015 (WR-15-23)

In the second general strike of 2015, labour unions opposed to the government of President Cristina Fernández succeeded in shutting down transportation services in several of the country’s major cities, including Buenos Aires, on 9 June. Three transport unions are protesting against the government’s decision to cap salary increases at 27% this year, arguing that the figure does not match the 30% inflation forecast for 2015. They also want the income tax threshold raised to allow the poorest workers more of their take-home pay. Though the strike was successful in paralysing parts of the capital, the government response suggests a breakthrough is unlikely.