Government offices, factories, public transportation and schools were closed in Argentina yesterday as workers in three major unions went on strike. The unions are upset with $1.5 billion budget cuts that would cut government salaries and pensions for those receiving more than $300 per month. President Fernando De la Rua and Economy Minister Domingo Cavallo say the spending cuts are Argentina’s last chance to avoid economic catastrophe.
See "Argentine Austerity Plan Sets Off Strike", Chris Kraul, Los Angeles Times, July 19, 2001