In some offices there were peaceful occupations and workers demanded the reinstatement of all those who were dismissed. | Photo: Página 12

Buenos Aires, April 4 (RHC)-- Thousands of employees and former workers of the Argentinian public sector mobilized this Wednesday in Buenos Aires and other cities in rejection of the massive layoffs ordered by the government of the far-right President Javier Milei, which has already laid off more than 11,000 people.

Members of the Association of State Workers (ATE) tried to enter the headquarters of the Ministry of Labor and other government entities to carry out peaceful occupations, but these dawned guarded by security forces determined to prevent them from passing.

It was reported that workers managed to enter the headquarters of the National Institute against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism (Inadi), which will disappear, as announced by Milei's government weeks ago. In all cases, the renewal of contracts and the reinstatement of those who were dismissed were demanded.

Through X, the general secretary of ATE, Rodolfo Aguiar, denounced: "Very serious. They are filling the public dependencies with police. There is no money to buy food, there is no money to buy medicines, but there is money to repress".

The presence of security forces was interpreted by the demonstrators as an attempt to intimidate and humiliate them, especially after many workers just found out that they were laid off during the Easter break and were not officially notified about it. 

To give evidence of the mega police and repressive operation against the workers, the Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrich, declared to a local radio station that she gave precise instructions to guard all federal buildings. She added that the workers "cannot usurp something they no longer have".

According to local media, union leaders within the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) are considering whether to organize a big federal march or a general strike against Milei's adjustment policy, an initiative which could take place at the end of April or on May 1st, on the occasion of International Workers' Day.

The number of dismissals could increase in the coming weeks, since as part of the adjustment, the employment contracts of about 70,000 state employees are being reviewed.