Argentina Warns Teachers' Union: Minimum 75% Service Required During Strike

Argentina's Ministry of Capital Human has issued a stern warning to the Ctera teachers' union regarding the upcoming national strike scheduled for Monday, August 3. Ctera, which represents teachers nationwide, called for the strike to protest salary issues and what they describe as the government's refusal to engage in national salary negotiations.

However, the Ministry stated that due to the recently passed labor reform law (Law No. 27.802), which classifies education as an "essential service," Ctera is obligated to ensure a minimum coverage of 75% of usual services during the strike. Article 101 of this law mandates the guarantee of minimum services to prevent a complete interruption of educational activities and protect students' right to learn across all levels.

The Ministry emphasized that non-compliance by the union will result in legal sanctions. They reaffirmed their commitment to the continuity of educational services and adherence to current legislation, ensuring access to education even during industrial actions.

Ctera, led by Sonia Alesso, had announced the strike on Wednesday, citing the government's alleged violation of legislation by not convening national salary discussions. In response, sources from the Ministry of Capital Human dismissed these claims as "absolutely false and malicious." They asserted that Alesso herself had initiated legal action against a decree that assigned salary matters to the provinces, as they are the employers of teachers.

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La decisión responde a la permanente negativa del Gobierno de convocar a la paritaria nacional docente, incumpliendo la legislación vigente y desconociendo un ámbito fundamental para discutir salarios, condiciones de trabajo, formación e inversión educativa.