BUENOS AIRES — Transportation unions brought Argentina to a standstill Tuesday with a one-day national strike to protest income tax rates and high inflation they say is eroding their earnings.
Flights were canceled, schools shut down, banks closed, and thousands of businesses were shuttered along largely empty streets.
While transportation workers represent only a small part of the South American country's workforce, shutting down trains and buses created a domino effect because many Argentines have no other way to get to work or school.
Most domestic and international flights were canceled because transportation unions represent many airport workers. Some schools canceled classes and others announced half-days as teachers had trouble getting to work.
Even drivers with their own cars had a hard time getting into the capital because members of the Socialist Workers party blocked the principal routes into Buenos Aires.
The unions argue that high taxes and inflation, which private economists put at around 35 percent annually, have eroded wage gains.
Top officials in President Cristina Fernandez's cabinet say the tax rates are fair and affect only a small percentage of workers, those who earn at least $1,765 a month.