Thursday Strike

[pitipur]

Hey all - received the following notice and sharing it with all of you as promised:

Dear Traveler,

Alerts have been issued for one or more of your current travel destinations. Please refer to the information below. For assistance related to a medical or security emergency during business travel please contact the 24/7 Interpublic Notification Center at +1 443 716 2239. Safe travels.

Worldcue[sup]®[/sup] Alert
Severity: Warning Alert​

Security: UPDATE 1: Airline workers in Argentina to join 24-hour general strike April 10. Flight cancelations likely. Expect roadblocks, transport disruptions.
This alert affects Argentina
This alert began 08 Apr 2014 19:26 GMT and is scheduled to expire 11 Apr 2014 10:00 GMT.
Updated Information
The Aviation Technicians Association (APTA) of Argentina has recently confirmed that unionized workers employed at major Argentinean airlines will join the nationwide 24-hour general strike on April 10. Unionized workers for Aerolineas Argentinas (AR), Andes Lineas Aereas (OY), Austral Lineas Aereas (AU), LAN Argentina (4M), and Sol (8R) will take part in the labor action. The participation of APTA members will likely cause significant flight disruptions on April 10.

Two of the country's largest union federations, the Central Workers' Union (CTA) and the General Labor Confederation (CGT), are leading the strike. Several leftist political parties and groups plan to erect roadblocks in key intersections across the country starting early April 10. The most significant demonstrations will occur in Buenos Aires (see map in "Resources" below).

The strike is aimed at airing a variety of grievances, most of which are linked to the country's high inflation rate and precarious economic situation. Along with airlines, disruptions are likely in the following sectors:

Transportation

• Buenos Aires Subway (Subte), particularly along Line B (Red Line).
• Passenger train services connecting Buenos Aires with suburbs.
• Bus service for city, short-, and long-distance lines.
• Unionized truck drivers might suspend services completely.
• Port workers could suspend services, or operate with limited personnel.
• Shared taxi (colectivo) drivers in urban areas might suspend services.

Government

• Workers in local municipalities, mostly in the Greater Buenos Aires metropolitan area, have pledged to participate.

Banks

• Most bank employees have pledged to participate. Banks will likely close, operate on limited schedules, or offer limited services. The work stoppage should not disrupt regularly scheduled financial transactions or ATM services.

Low-impact sectors

• Refuse removal in Buenos Aires
• Education workers
• Some restaurant/food stand workers
• Unionized workers at public hospitals

Background and Analysis
It is possible that some participants could withdraw support for the strike if government officials seek to appease individual grievances. However, most labor groups have led demonstrations against these economic issues before, and discontent remains. Inflation continues to rise, with economists predicting the rate may surpass 40 percent this year, after registering 35 percent in February. Labor unions are demanding wage increases commensurate with inflation rates to ensure the purchasing power of workers.

Advice
Confirm all travel arrangements. Prepare for supply chain disruptions. Confirm business appointments. Allow additional time for ground transportation, as taxis may be in high demand due to the lack of alternative methods of transport. Do not attempt to cross roadblocks; wait for police to clear routes. Avoid demonstrations if possible.

Resources
Protest Map
Source: La Nacion (Spanish): www.mapsengine.google.com

Airlines
Aerolineas Argentinas: www.aerolineas.com.ar
Andes Lineas Aereas (Spanish/Portuguese): www.andesonline.com
Austral Lineas Aereas (Spanish): www.austral.com.ar
LAN Argentina: www.lan.com.ar
Sol (Spanish): www.sol.com.ar

 

[Gringoboy]

I don't suppose this would be Argentina without a little drama around the next corner would it?
Especially when it's been a bit dull lately, I mean.
What this strike will achieve is anyone's guess, but at least it gives the lads and lasses a chance to flex their muscles a tad.
Reading La Nacion's take on this, you'd be forgiven for thinking it's going to be a major production Siciliana style.
Source: http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1679082-paro-10-de-abril-piquete-cortes
We have the five families, represented by Ruben 'The Chicken' Sobrero, Carlos 'The Dog' Santillan from the Jujuy Family and Hugo 'The Don' Moyano, representing the families of numerous neighbourhood delegations...etc etc

 

[Redpossum]

Marching and waving signs is boring. If they were up for truly up for social change, they'd throw caution to the wind, abandon all dignity and DANCE!


http://youtu.be/0CAHDI_vkSs

 

[Gringoboy]

Comment spotted in LN:
¿Va a haber paro o piquetes en las Malvinas?

 

[lucha54]

Can't wait to drive around and see what the city would be like without the buses.... am I selfish?

 

[scotttswan]

Can't wait to drive around and see what the city would be like without the buses.... am I selfish?

I'd prefer the city only had buses and no cars. would be much better.

 

[ajoknoblauch]

I'd prefer the city only had buses and no cars. would be much better.

Comment spotted in LN:
¿Va a haber paro o piquetes en las Malvinas?

Not likely in a country that voted nearly 100 percent for political status quo, with full employment and among the world's highest per capita GDPs. Also near-zero inflation.

 

[steveinbsas]

I heard that since he couldn't move to Salta on the 10th as planned, and after being called a "butch ducky" in the forum, Joe decided to go red possum hunting instead.

 

[Redpossum]

I heard that since he couldn't move to Salta on the 10th as planned, and after being called a "butch ducky" in the forum, Joe decided to go red possum hunting instead.

What can I say, I'm a possum of the people, a marsupial of the masses

 

[ARbound]

Where does one find the pickets for Peanut Butter, electronics, Correo and AFIP?