Uruguay union calls partial strike for Aug. 11 over education, poverty, social security

Uruguay's largest union confederation, Pit-Cnt, has called a partial general strike for Tuesday, August 11, affecting Montevideo and the surrounding metropolitan area. The action aims to pressure the government for increased resources in the national budget for education and the fight against child poverty.

The union also expressed strong opposition to what it calls the "non-compliance of agreements reached in the Social Dialogue on Social Security." A key demand is the implementation of a 1% surcharge on the Wealth Tax for the wealthiest 1% of the population.

Supporting education workers, who are also holding a national strike on Tuesday, the Pit-Cnt seeks to strengthen the country's social security network. The strike is scheduled from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A mobilization is planned, starting from the University of the Republic and heading towards the Legislative Palace.

Several affiliated unions, including those representing highway workers, national library staff, electoral court employees, and penitentiary operators, will observe a full 24-hour strike. Other government ministries and agencies, such as Social Development, the Presidency, and Agriculture, will halt activities during the 9 AM to 1 PM window.