Argentina's trade unions launched the second nationwide strike in less than five months over the government's austerity measures on Thursday.

During the strike which lasted for 24 hours, hundreds of flights were canceled, public transportation were disrupted, and banks and many shops were force to close. With public transportation affected there were only isolated protests, mainly from workers of the banking sector.

"It is important for the workers to protest and be seen because austerity measures are hitting the working class , spending cuts are hurting people who have the least," said Diego Sanchez, an employee of Bank of the Argentine Nation.

This is the second general strike trade unions have called in Argentina this year, a response to the austerity package and the economic reforms proposed by libertarian president Javier Milei.

Congress is debating Milei's reforms that include labor and tax reforms. The lower house has approved the bill and the Senate is due to debate the legislation later this month.

Milei's "chainsaw approach", symbolizing his plans to cut public spending, has already seen an impact. A major devaluation last December has seen inflation spike to nearly 300 percent.

By removing price controls, the prices of utility bills and transport have increased.

This week saw a series of measures taken by workers ahead of the strike. On Monday, subway workers opened gates for passengers to travel free.

"In the context of very high inflation, and wage negotiations that are blocked by the government, the increase of what a worker pays to travel to and from work is very high. It eats up a large part of their salary," said Jorge Mendes, a representative of the Subway Union.

The government condemned the strike action, saying it prevented many people who wanted to go to work.

As Congress debates major reforms for Argentina's economy, the standoff between Argentina's powerful unions and the government is set to continue. Union leaders have suggested that if there are no negotiations, the next general strike will last 36 hours.

SHOTLIST:

Buenos Aires, Argentina - May 9, 2024
1. Empty bus station;
2. Locked door;
3. Metro station;
4. Closed bank;
5. Protesters holding flags;
6. SOUNDBITE (Spanish, dubbed in English) Diego Sanchez, employee, Bank of the Argentine Nation:
"It is important for the workers to protest and be seen because austerity measures are hitting the working class, spending cuts are hurting people who have the least.";
7. Various of street view, pedestrians;
8. Various of metro station, passengers;
9. SOUNDBITE (Spanish, dubbed in English) Jorge Mendes, representative, Subway Union:
"In the context of very high inflation and wage negotiations that are blocked by the government, the increase of what a worker pays to travel to and from work is very high. It eats up a large part of their salary.";
10. Pedestrians;
11. Aerial shot of street;
12. Posters of general strike;
13. Aerial shot of city view.

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