United Kingdom: education workers in solidarity with the Argentine people
On different occasions the education union University and College Union (UCU) of the United Kingdom has expressed solidarity with the claims of Argentine workers. On this occasion we reproduce a public statement critical of the adjustment policies carried out by President Javier Milei, against repression and educational defunding. (reproduced from International Socialist League (lis-isl.org)
“Challenge Milei's agenda and support Argentine workers”
"According to the motion 30 congressional 2024, The UCU reiterates our support for workers, Argentine educators and students campaigning against the neoliberal and authoritarian policies of the Milei government.
The UCU condemns the violent police operation that occurred last 12 June against social organizations, politicians and unions who gathered in front of the National Congress to oppose the draft Base Law that was being debated in the Senate. We are very concerned that 33 people have been arrested and charged with various crimes, including attacks on “constitutional order” and “democratic life”. We urge the prosecutor to urgently drop the charges against the 33 arrested for protesting 12 June and that those still in prison be released immediately. It is alarming that the Argentine authorities are openly calling for more repressive measures and discouraging the exercise of protest, reinforcing the idea that protest should be criminalized..
Education workers and students are at the forefront of the current protest movement in Argentina and we stand in solidarity with the National Federation of University Teachers (CONADU) and others in their defense of the public university system. In particular, We are very concerned about the recent cuts to university budgets in Argentina, including the specific defunding of the Universidad de Madres de Plaza de Mayo. We call on the Argentine government to guarantee the normal functioning of the Universidad de Madres de Plaza de Mayo, respecting the legal and constitutional rights enshrined in Argentina”.
2 July 2024
