Argentina: Schools closed as teachers go on strike

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - Teachers in Argentina will go on nationwide strike on Thursday after the loss of two colleagues in an accident in the country's southern Chubut province.

The strike is organized by the Confederation of Education Workers (CTERA) to show solidarity with the victims, according to the Cuban official news agency, Prensa Latina.

On Monday, two teachers were killed and five injured in a traffic accident while returning home from a nine-week running march demanding the payment of overdue salaries.

Thousands of public and private education professionals will gather in the country's squares and streets under the slogan, "education is in mourning".

"We demand the Provincial and National Governments urgently resolve the conflict in Chubut. We accompany with deep pain the families of Cristina Aguilar and Jorgelina Ruiz," the CTERA Secretary-General Sonia Alesso said.

Argentina’s senate also unanimously approved on Wednesday a law to increase state funds dedicated to fighting hunger and improving nutrition.

The Latin American country is suffering high inflation after a sharp devaluation of its peso currency in 2018.

Three and a half years after the election of President Mauricio Macri, Argentina remains in economic turmoil with the public sector most affected.