By Michael Oche
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has expressed its support for Argentina students and workers protesting against the austerity measures by President Javier Milei.
ITUC-Africa in a letter addressed to Argentina President, also raised concern particularly on the recent cut in public education spending and the clampdown on trade union rights.
“The actions taken by your administration, including the slashing of public expenditures and the targeting of trade unions, are deeply troubling. The protests by students and educators against the austerity plan and education spending cuts are a clear indication of the widespread discontent among the Argentine people,” ITUC-Africa Comrade Akhator Joel Odigie said in the letter.
Hundreds of thousands of Argentines took to the streets of Buenos Aires on Tuesday, April 23, in an anti-government march against budget cuts to public universities, the biggest protest yet against President Javier Milei’s painful austerity measures.
The ITUC-Africa reminded the Argentina government that education is a fundamental human right, saying that the cuts to higher public education institutions, such as the University of Buenos Aires, may deprive hundreds of thousands of students of their right to quality education.
Odigie urged the President Milei’s administration to reconsider its approach and prioritise dialogue and cooperation with trade unions and other civil society organisations.
“It is only through inclusive and participatory decision-making processes that sustainable solutions to the economic challenges facing Argentina can be achieved,” he said
ITUC-Africa the shrinking civil space and the suppression of alternative voices, including trade unions, by the government are contrary to the principles of democracy and human rights.
The regional organisation which represents the interest of workers across Africa said Trade unions play a vital role in advocating for workers’ rights, and any attempt to undermine their ability to organize and represent their members is unacceptable.
Odigie said ITUC-Africa stands in solidarity with the trade unions, students, and educators in Argentina in their struggle for social justice, labour rights, and quality education.
“We call on your government to respect the rights of all citizens and to uphold the principles of democracy, human rights, and social justice,” he said.
