The Association of Teachers and Researchers of the National University of Jujuy (Adiunju) reported high participation on March 31 in a nationwide university strike that began Monday and is set to conclude Tuesday. The action comes as university classrooms remain empty, with teaching unions across Argentina launching a 72-hour work stoppage in response to what they describe as the national government’s disregard for the University Funding Law.
The dispute centers on funding shortfalls for public universities. Adiunju said its members are fully supporting the national protest due to a lack of response from federal authorities. The union warned that underfunding is already having visible effects, stating: “The future is being cut back, science is shrinking, and teaching conditions are becoming more precarious,” while also noting that these budget cuts result in fewer students on campus and worsening working conditions.
Teachers are demanding compliance with legislation passed in 2025 that would provide a salary adjustment of 55.4 percent to address wage arrears dating back to 2023. However, government officials have instead confirmed unilateral pay increases—2.5 percent in January, 2.2 percent in February, and 2 percent in March—without engaging in collective bargaining talks for two years.
Union federations criticized this approach during the ongoing strike: “The government throws ballast amid the strike,” they said. In Jujuy, strong adherence to the work stoppage is expected as teachers point out not only non-compliance with existing law but also reference a court ruling backing their claims.
As the final day of this round of industrial action approaches, observers will be watching whether further negotiations or demonstrations follow.
