IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Argentina: Transportation Strike Shuts Down Country

Image: An empty bus stop is seen during a one-day nationwide strike in Buenos Aires
An empty bus stop is seen during a one-day nationwide strike in Buenos Aires March 31, 2015. Opposition labor unions are holding a 24-hour strike to protest against Argentina's current income tax scheme. REUTERS/Enrique Marcarian Reuters
/ Source: NBC News

The streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina were mostly empty on Tuesday after unions waged a nationwide strike to protest income tax rates and high inflation.

Many domestic and international flights were canceled and subways, trains and buses were not operating. This forced many Argentinians, who rely on public transportation to get to school and work, to stay home.

Unions represent 30 to 40 percent of the country's 11 million registered workers, but they have long been influential in the South American country.

The unions argue their wage gains in the last few years have been weakened by high taxes and inflation at about 30 percent, according to private economists. The government of president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner says the taxes are fair and only impact a small number of workers making a higher salary.

SOCIAL:

--The Associated Press