Workers protest Argentina’s modernization plan for INTA

On November 28, employees at Argentina’s National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) gathered in Buenos Aires to protest against a government initiative to modernize the state-run institution.

Announced the previous day, the plan includes selling underused properties, such as a $6 million building on Cerviño Avenue, transferring its ownership to the State Property Administration Agency for auction.

Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni defended the plan, emphasizing the need to eliminate inefficiencies and redirect INTA’s mission toward agricultural productivity. He criticized previous leadership for mismanaging resources and insisted the initiative would benefit taxpayers by preventing public funds from being wasted on unrelated agendas.

The proposed sale of the building, registered under INTA, has been labeled by unions as an unlawful expropriation. Workers argue that the transfer, which lacked approval from INTA’s Governing Council, undermines the institution’s role in research and development.

The Association of State Workers has condemned the government’s move, claiming it jeopardizes public assets intended to advance agricultural innovation. Meanwhile, INTA workers have declared a state of alert, urging respect for labor rights and the preservation of the institution’s mission.

The INTA Governing Council was set to decide on November 28 regarding the building’s future, leaving workers and unions in heightened tension over the final outcome of the government’s contentious plan.

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