The head of the Human Capital portfolio, Sandra Pettovello, announced this measure, justifying it by stating the necessity to «safeguard the right to learn for students and provide predictability for families». She indicated that supervision would be conducted through sample inspections across educational institutions throughout Argentina to ensure compliance with current regulations.

The government’s crackdown is based on Article 145 of the aforementioned law, which deems failure to meet minimum coverage requirements a form of unfair practice, paving the way for imposing severe financial penalties on teachers’ unions.

The fines stipulated in the regulations, which would be set by a judge, could reach up to 20% of the dues collected from union members in the month the violation occurred, making the government’s planned actions appear as an attempt to dissuade participation in the strike through fear of financial repercussions.

On the opposing side, teachers affiliated with CTERA defend the legitimacy of their demands and categorically reject the executive’s stance, accusing it of resorting to «persecution» and «intimidation». They assert that the strike is a response to the effects of the so-called «chainsaw», the controversial budget cuts enacted by the far-right leader.

Furthermore, the strike is based on an urgent request for a National Teacher Negotiation Assembly and a wage increase to offset the loss of purchasing power, along with the immediate reinstatement of the National Teacher Incentive Fund (FONID) and other crucial resources for maintaining the education system, as reported by El Destape.

However, the educators’ list of demands extends beyond mere salary issues and delves into fundamental educational policies. They demand the enactment of a new Educational Financing Law and an investment plan for school infrastructure, cafeterias, and connectivity, areas they believe have been neglected by the central government. Additionally, they express their absolute rejection of the proposed Education Freedom Law, which they label as a «serious infringement on the social right to education» and a threat to the state’s non-delegable responsibility to ensure quality public education.

This Monday’s strike will also garner support from the Association of State Workers (ATE), marking another day that highlights the growing tension between budgetary cuts and the defense of the public education system in Argentina.

La entrada Milei Responds to Nationwide Teacher Strike with Inspections and Threats of Fines Against Unions se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.