The few buses running in Buenos Aires were nowhere near full, although car traffic was unusually heavy as many workers observed the 24-hour strike against a contentious labor reform. The CGT labor federation said more workers adhered to the walkout call than during any of the previous three strikes. Most recently, Fate -- Argentina's main tire factory -- on Wednesday announced the closure of its plant in Buenos Aires, prompting some 900 job cuts. Last week, thousands of people demonstrated in Buenos Aires as senators debated the reform bill, and clashes with police resulted in about 30 arrests. Almost 40 percent of Argentine workers lack formal employment contracts, and unions say the new measures will make matters worse.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha February 20, 2026 05:42 UTC