More than 50% of transportation companies in Buenos Aires do not plan to join the strike announced by the Union of Transportation Workers (UTA). On a typical day, more than 4.5 million people travel by buses in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires, with around 9 million trips made and about 15 thousand units in circulation. The government has made it clear that it will ensure compliance with the minimum service provisions for buses on the day of the strike, as it is considered an essential service.
According to resolution 212, compliance with the minimum service provisions will be monitored, and in case of non-compliance, companies will be urged to ensure service with at least 50% of the regular capacity. Those lines that do not provide adequate service could face the loss of daily subsidies and revocation of operating permits.
Some transportation companies, such as the Metropol Group and Dota, have confirmed that they will continue to operate despite the UTA strike. The national government has described the strike as "extortionate" and has accused the union of "holding passengers hostage" by not providing services after rejecting a 40% salary increase.
The Transportation Secretariat reported that the UTA rejected the increase offered by the companies after several rounds of negotiations and has decided to carry out a 24-hour strike. The strike will affect bus lines in the AMBA, as well as the 103 lines under national jurisdiction, the 31 in the city of Buenos Aires, and the 102 in the Province. Despite this, it is expected that some bus lines will not join the established strike.
