ATE union protests Argentine defense wages and naval base closure

The Asociación Trabajadores del Estado (ATE) has launched a total strike and mobilization to the Ministry of Defense to protest deteriorating labor and salary conditions for civilian personnel in the Argentine Armed Forces. Union leaders, including Rodolfo Aguiar, claim that 99% of these workers are living in poverty and facing significant debt due to insufficient wages that fail to cover basic costs like food and housing.

The protest also addresses the financial crisis of the IOSFA healthcare system, which faces a debt of approximately 233 billion pesos owed to pharmacies and professionals. Workers report a breakdown in medical services and a lack of adequate coverage for military families.

Additionally, unions and local organizations are protesting the government's decision to restructure and close the Punta Indio Naval Base. The plan involves transferring maritime surveillance squadrons and the Naval Aviation School to Bahía Blanca. Critics argue this move threatens the jobs of hundreds of workers and could cause a social and economic catastrophe for the Punta Indio and Verónica regions.