Argentine City's Move to Militarize Public Transport Sparks Anger, Workers Call off Strike

[Judi Lynn]

Argentine City's Move to Militarize Public Transport Sparks Anger, Workers Call off Strike
Published 13 June 2017 (6 hours 32 minutes ago)


On the ninth day of a strike by public transport workers in Argentina's second largest city, Cordoba, Mayor Ramon Mestre announced the militarization of public transport services.

Rolled out just hours before strike leaders called off their action Tuesday, the increased deployment of security forces was seen as an attempt to quash the strike, with Mestre’s plan including 600 local agents, 400 armed officers and 50 federal police to patrol the city’s buses.

Nestor Antonio Pitrola, a trade unionist and leading member of the Workers' Party of Argentina, condemned the move.

"Before the teachers, now the drivers, all those who fight for their salary and their families are chosen as enemies by the government, in this case by the Ramon Mestre Cordoban government," declared Pitrola, reported HispanTV.

More:
http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Argentine-Citys-Move-to-Militarize-Public-Transport-Sparks-Anger-Workers-Call-off-Strike-20170613-0031.html

[sandensea]

1. If any Argentine province regrets voting for Macri, its Cordoba.

One of Argentina's most prosperous provinces, Córdoba's largely middle-class and Catholic electorate voted en masse for Macri in 2015, giving him 70% of the vote.

His margin in Córdoba ALONE gave Macri his narrow 2.6% margin nationwide.

Within 6 months though, and amid the most severe downturn in the province since 2002 at least, Macri's candidates were getting 30-35% in local and special elections. MAJOR buyer's remorse.

A shame, really. It's blessed with great scenery and weather - but unlike Buenos Aires, it can't benefit from Macri's pro-money laundering policies and is consequently feeling the full brunt of the recession.

Here's a nice overview for you, Judi. Enjoy!