Argentine labor unions demand wage increases amid economic tension

Argentine labor leaders are intensifying their criticism of the current economic situation and calling for political and economic shifts. Héctor Daer, Secretary of the Interior of the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), met with Formosa Governor Gildo Insfrán to discuss the country's socioeconomic context. Daer emphasized the need to defend national industry and employment, stating a shared goal to build a political space that allows Peronism to return to government.

Simultaneously, the Mesa Sindical—a collective of dozens of state and private unions including ATE and CTERA—has denounced official inflation figures as “fiction.” The group argues that the reported 2.1% inflation for July does not reflect the actual cost increases in essential sectors like housing, utilities, and food.

The Mesa Sindical is demanding a 30% wage increase to compensate for the loss of purchasing power. They also highlighted alarming economic indicators, including the loss of 340,000 registered jobs and the closure of 30,000 companies since November 2023, alongside rising levels of household debt.