Initiating the programme will initially occur as a trial run or pilot project.
On August 11, 2025, more than 50 national universities across Argentina participated in a 24-hour strike, causing significant disruption to academic activities[1][2][5]. The strike was primarily due to disputes over salary increases and government funding cuts for the country's public universities and university workers.
Causes
The underlying cause of the strike is the government’s decision to reduce university funding, leading to wage stagnation amid high inflation[1][2]. In response to the strike, the government announced a 7.5% wage increase for university teachers and non-teaching staff between September and November, along with a one-time bonus of 25,000 Argentine pesos[2]. However, unions have rejected this offer, calling it a "ghost increase" that does not offset inflation or meet their demands[2].
Impact
The strike caused a significant disruption to academic activities, including class cancellations and halted research activities at multiple universities during the week of August 11 to 15, 2025[1][3][5]. Thousands of students were affected, especially at the start of the academic term, as the stoppage halted all university functions in some institutions[5].
Ongoing Negotiations
Despite the government’s wage increase offer, unions, including the main federations like CONADU, have maintained their strike and continue to demand higher adjustments to match inflation and secure better working conditions[2]. The disputes remain unresolved, with university workers mobilizing to sustain pressure on authorities to meet their demands[2].
Notable Universities Affected
The strike affected various universities such as the National University of Córdoba (UNC), the National University of Rosario (UNR), the National University of San Luis (UNSL), the National University of La Plata (UNLP), the National University of Mar del Plata (UNMDP), universities in the Buenos Aires conurbation, the provincial campuses of the National Technological University (UTN), the National University of Tucumán (UNT), and the National University of San Juan (UNSJ), among others[1][5].
The strike is organized by the National Universities' Syndical Front, which includes Fedun, Conadu, Conadu Historical, and Fatun[1]. The University of Buenos Aires will not start classes in the second semester due to a salary delay of over 40% since the arrival of President Javier Milei's government[1].
Future Developments
Negotiations for wage increases have been at a standstill since the last quarter of 2024, with increases decided unilaterally by the government[1]. The strike is in response to the government's austerity measures, demands for a salary readjustment, and the approval of a bill to increase budgetary allocations[1]. The National Congress has approved a new bill for increased university funding, which needs to be ratified by the Senate[1].
Some unions, such as Conadu and Conadu Historical, have announced an extension of the strike beyond August 11[1]. The National Universities Trade Union Front, CIN, and FUA (Argentine University Federation) are participating in the reversal of the current University Financing Law bill, aiming to progressively increase the sector’s budget to reach 1.5% of GDP by 2031[1].
The unions urge senators and senators to support the project and give strength to the law, and ask them to listen to the demand of the university community, which is no more than the demand of Argentine society for a chance[1]. The strike is a reflection of the broader context of labor unrest due to austerity measures and fiscal adjustments imposed by the government amid inflationary pressure.
[1] Source: La Nación [2] Source: Clarín [3] Source: Página/12 [4] Source: La Voz del Interior [5] Source: Télam
- The strike organized by the National Universities' Syndical Front, including Fedun, Conadu, Conadu Historical, and Fatun, has led to a significant disruption in general news, affecting various universities across Argentina, such as the University of Buenos Aires and the National University of Córdoba, among others.
- The ongoing negotiations between the government and the unions center around the demands for higher adjustments to match inflation, improved working conditions, and a more substantial increase in university funding, a reflection of the broader context of labor unrest and austerity measures in Argentina's education-and-self-development, politics, and general-news sectors.
