Argentina public workers strike to protest layoffs

Tens of thousands of public workers across Argentina have staged a one-day strike to protest against soaring inflation and widespread job cuts by the administration of President Mauricio Macri.

Unions representing public workers, including hospital staffers and government office workers, participated in the walkout that was held in cities, including Buenos Aires and Cordoba, on Wednesday.

They demanded an end to the trimming of payrolls and called on the government to hire back thousands of workers, who have been fired.

“This is our response to the government layoffs,” said Ricardo Peidro, general secretary of Center of Workers of Argentina (CTA). “It would be even a greater offense to us, if the government continues to fire more people.”