Argentine union asks for administrative leave so workers can watch World Cup match against England

Argentina's main state workers' union, ATE, has asked the government to declare administrative leave from Wednesday afternoon so employees can watch the national soccer team's World Cup semifinal match against England. The game is scheduled for Thursday at 4 p.m. local time.

ATE Secretary General Rodolfo Aguiar stated that the match transcends sports, holding "enormous cultural and historical significance" for Argentina and mobilizing national sentiment. He alluded to the historical rivalry with Britain, intensified by the 1982 Falklands War, a conflict over the South Atlantic islands still claimed by Argentina but occupied by the UK.

Aguiar requested that the work stoppage begin at noon on Wednesday, encompassing all national public administration, decentralized agencies, state-owned companies, and corporations. He assured that essential services and minimum guard duties would be guaranteed to handle any emergencies. This request follows a similar one ATE made for the previous match against Egypt, which was not granted.

In a letter to President Javier Milei, ATE argued that various sectors and institutions are already adjusting their schedules to allow employees to follow the "social milestone." The union believes the national government should act in accordance with the event's importance. Aguiar urged the president not to miss this opportunity to demonstrate "true national sentiment," noting that other countries have implemented similar measures.