Millionaires left stranded: Trenes Argentinos estimates national strike cost at $200 million

The national strike on May 9, led by the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), is estimated to cost Trenes Argentinos $200 million, according to the Secretary of Transportation. Nearly 1 million people in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA) and 60 localities across the country will be left without public transport as a result of this strike.

Inside the AMBA, there are nearly 5 million passengers who rely on metropolitan, regional, and long-distance train services that will be unable to travel due to the strike. Outside the AMBA, there are 1.5 million people who use the SUBE card system for transport and will also be unable to travel because of this strike.

The Secretary stated that there are more than 2,300 bus units on the streets today, which is almost 40% of a normal day’s operations. Efforts are being made to add more buses to accommodate increased demand as a result of this strike.

In Buenos Aires, the subway system is not operating due to metro delegates joining the strike. This decision has impacted all subway lines and Premetro services, resulting in an additional 900,000 fewer trips. In response to this situation, the National Government has decided to deduct subsidies from companies that are not providing services during this strike as part of a new strategy aimed at stopping subsidizing strikes in this sector.

The Ministry of Transportation emphasized that it is important for those who want to work should have access without fear or harassment from striking workers. This approach aims to protect workers and ensure that transportation services continue to operate effectively despite labor disputes.

The government is implementing measures aimed at discouraging strikes and ensuring that transportation services continue smoothly even when labor disputes arise.