Protests Erupt in Argentina's Misiones Over Pay

Tensions escalated in Argentina's Misiones province as hundreds of teachers and police officers held sustained protests this weekend, demanding substantial pay raises to keep up with rampant inflation.

Around 2,000 demonstrators, including active and retired police with their families, set up tents outside the police radio command headquarters in Posadas, the provincial capital. Nearby, teachers held a separate protest involving burning tires.

The unrest began Thursday when teachers, who had been demonstrating for a month, stormed the provincial legislature. Police officers arrived and started their own demonstration by burning tires in front of the radio command building before sharing them with the teachers.

Although some reports suggested protesters seized the building, authorities confirmed the radio operations were still functioning with the protests limited outside. Police are being represented in salary negotiations by retired officers since active personnel cannot legally unionize.

The national security ministry formed a crisis committee and announced plans to send 200 military police to assist local authorities.Teachers, considered the worst paid in Argentina, are seeking a 100% raise after inflation reached 280% annually in April. They currently earn between $254-416 monthly. Police were offered only a 15% increase, with officers making around $494 and sergeants $617 monthly.

Beyond salaries, protesters cited deteriorating school conditions like lack of bathrooms, fans and student meals as key grievances after the national government cut funding transfers to provinces.

As the provincial crisis escalates, it tests the national government's capacity to resolve labor conflicts amid economic strain and new political realities after Milei's rise.