Argentina's UTA union escalates salary dispute, warns of possible bus driver strike in Buenos Aires

The Union Tranviarios Automotor (UTA) and transport companies remain at an impasse over wage adjustments linked to inflation. The union has rejected the employers' proposal to pay the half‑year bonus (aguinaldo) in installments and is demanding a full salary recomposition to restore purchasing power. Negotiations are being mediated by the Ministry of Labour, with a virtual audience scheduled for Wednesday that UTA says is critical to avoid a strike. While the union has affirmed that no stoppage is planned for the immediate week, it warned that measures of force could be taken if a concrete offer is not presented.

Concurrently, teachers in Buenos Aires Province and other regions have staged large‑scale strikes, demanding salary recovery, better working conditions, and a response to rising violence in schools. Provincial and national authorities have held paritary meetings with unions such as ATE, UPCN, Agmer, AMET and others, but teachers report that real wages have fallen sharply and that recent fiscal cuts have left schools under‑funded.

Both the transport and education sectors face heightened tension that could disrupt public services and affect thousands of commuters and students if negotiations fail.