The government confirmed that it will proceed with the corresponding deductions for all employees who join the strike and fail to meet their work obligations. This position has a clear dual objective: to maintain fiscal austerity (by not financing protest days with state resources) and to discourage worker participation to minimize the impact of the work stoppage. Union rejection and denunciation of 'extortion' From the union sector, the response was swift. Labor leaders described the official decision as an 'anti-union practice' and an attempt at extortion that violates the constitutional right to strike guaranteed in article 14 bis. Rodolfo Aguiar, head of ATE, was one of the most vehement in stating that threats of salary deductions will not stop the widespread discontent of state workers, who report a deep loss of purchasing power. What will happen with public service Despite the economic warnings that will weigh on paychecks at the end of the month, it is expected that compliance in the public sector will be very high. BUENOS AIRES, Feb 17 (NA) -- Amidst the imminent general national strike called by the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) in open rejection of the labor reform, the national government has ratified its firm 'no work, no pay' policy and has aimed its sights directly at employees of the national public administration. The official warning: salary cuts on the horizon After the main state unions, the Association of State Workers (ATE) and the Civil Servants' Union of the Nation (UPCN), confirmed their full adherence to the measure of force, the Casa Rosada issued a stern warning. Through its official channels, the Executive notified that it will proceed to deduct the full working day and the percentage corresponding to the attendance item from all public employees who are absent from their posts. This will cause severe complications in critical areas for citizens: National dependencies: Operational headquarters of ANSES, PAMI, AFIP, and civil registries will remain with their shutters down or will attend exclusively with a very reduced hierarchical staff. Public health: National hospitals will only keep minimal emergency services operational for life-threatening risks, having to reschedule all regular shifts and consultations in outpatient clinics.
