The Government increased the budget of the universities by 70% within hours of the start of the national strike

2024-03-14 07:28:34

The Ministry of Human Capital confirmed a 70 percent increase in the budget allocations allocated to universities. The news was announced hours before the strike by teachers and non-teachers from the 55 national institutions of higher education, rejecting the budget freeze and the drop in salaries.

The portfolio led by Sandra Pettovello reported that the increase is designed so that the institutions can cover the operating costs of the universities. In that sense, as Infobae learned, the Ministry of Education promoted the measure, through the Undersecretary of University Policies, so that institutions can face the increase in electricity, gas and input maintenance rates.

This was one of the main requests made by the rectors of the public universities at the end of February, who warned that there would be some difficulties before the universities starting in mid-March to cover operating costs after classes start . Even this week there was a meeting between the authorities of the National Interuniversity Council (Carlos Greco, from the University of San Martín, and Víctor Moriñigo, from the National University of San Luis) and the rector of the UBA, Ricardo Gelpi, where they agreed “a demand a meeting with the Minister of Human Capital of the Nation and a possible presentation before the Judicial and Legislative Branches.”

The decision was published ahead of the start of a workforce action in institutions across the country. This strike has the support of the General Labor Confederation (CGT) and the Central Workers of Argentina (CTA), whose representatives were present at the press conference in which the union decision was announced. However, it is still unknown if the deal will continue.

The main complaint that prompted this action is the lack of budget for universities and the drop in salaries. Although the Government gave university staff a 16% rise in February, the University Union Front (FSU) – which brings together Conadu, Conadu Historica, FEDUN, CTERA, FAGDUT, FATUN and UDA – explained that 10 points come to what was agreed. in the aggregate of 2023, in contrast to accumulated inflation of 51.3% between December and January – which with February data reaches 71.3% in three months. In that context, the unions rejected the initial proposal and demanded a “salary offer that will gain purchasing power”.

If the crackdown continues today, some universities will close their doors and pre-university schools will also be affected. Subsequently, the General Council of the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) ordered “the closure of those buildings and facilities in which the minimum operational conditions cannot be guaranteed on that date,” and it was expected that the academic and administrative activities all affected. to reschedule.

Regarding the current situation in which universities and their workers are going through, the deputy rector of the UBA, Emiliano Yacobitti, showed in a dialogue with Infobae that salaries have fallen by a third since Javier Milei took office. For example, the lowest category charges about 400 thousand pesos. In this way, he also explained that “the Government sent (nominally) less money than last year.” As he explained, with that budget “you can’t pay for suppliers and basic elements.” In this sense, the deputy rector asked the Government to “reflect” the cuts in public education since, otherwise, “they will lead the UBA to a closed state.” In this regard, FSU claimed that workers have lost 50 percent of their salary since December.