Argentine social movements and unions plan major San Cayetano Day march

Social movements and labor unions in Argentina are intensifying their protests, with a significant march planned for August 7, coinciding with San Cayetano Day, the patron saint of work. This demonstration marks the tenth anniversary of a large-scale mobilization held in 2016.

The upcoming march is being organized by the Union of Popular Economy Workers (UTEP), a key group that participated in recent protests. These protests, which included temporary road blockades and clashes with security forces, were primarily against the government's decision to eliminate the 'Volver al Trabajo' social program and replace it with a voucher system for training. The groups are demanding "peace, bread, land, housing, and work."

According to UTEP, the San Cayetano Day event will begin with a blessing of work tools in Liniers before participants walk to Plaza de Mayo. Various sectors, including social, student, human rights, feminist, and professional organizations, are expected to join. The UTEP, led by Alejandro Gramajo of the Movimiento Evita, is coordinating with major unions like the CGT and the two CTA branches.

Leading up to the August 7 march, social movements have already raised tensions. Last Wednesday, protests occurred at access points to the capital and in other cities like Mar del Plata and Rosario. These actions coincided with the weekly protest by retirees in front of Congress. Additionally, on August 3, UTEP, CGT, and the CTA branches will support a protest by the Argentine Confederation of Education Workers (Ctera) against President Javier Milei's proposed "Education Freedom Law."