ARGENTINIAN trade unions have staged a one-day general strike in protest at an austerity drive by the government of President Javier Milei.

Led by main labour confederation the CGT, union members, including rail workers, teachers, customs officials, refuse collectors and postal staff walked out at midnight on Wednesday. Airports emptied as the main carriers halted operations and many public hospitals only accepted emergency cases.

The government claimed the stoppage had cost the economy $880 million (£672m).