Title: UTA Bus Strike: Tense Moments, Ongoing Disruption, and Partial Adherence On May 6th, 2025
Vera Lauckner | Buenos Aires Journalist
Live Update: Ongoing Stop Collectives; Duration and Affected Routes as of Today, 6th May
The Unión Tranviarios Automotor (UTA) launched a nationwide bus strike on May 6th, 2025, causing chaos and turmoil across the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (AMBA). The strike stretches beyond just bus lines, as over 300 short and medium distance routes feel the effects.
The strike itself is reminiscent of the UTA's 51-hour strike in 2021 that caused chaos in the city. That time, they demanded better working conditions and an increase in salaries. This time, the drivers are not backing down, seeking fair compensation after years of stagnant wages and rising costs.
A False Union Spokesperson Stirs Confusion
In the midst of the strike, a man calling himself Gabriel Gusso appeared on various media outlets claiming to be a UTA spokesperson. According to reputable sources, he does not belong to the union as a leader or affiliate, nor is he a lawyer for the UTA. Gusso believed he was making headlines by suggesting the strike could potentially last beyond a single day. Fans of political drama will surely enjoy the theatrics, but the UTA quickly distanced themselves from his claims, stating they don't recognize his words and consider him to be misinforming.
Candidates Step In To Lend A Helping Hand
A beacon of hope in the chaos, Marcelo Peretta, a candidate for the Plural Movement, offered his campaign bus to help struggling commuters make it to work. Peretta expressed his sympathy for those affected by the strike: "I know how hard it is to be a bus driver, and I understand that strikes don't solve labor problems." This small act of kindness emphasizes the sense of solidarity and care that members of the community feel towards each other.
Violence and Tensions
Unfortunately, not everyone involved in the strike has been acting with understanding or compassion. At the Puente Pueyrredón, a driver was met with hostility and physical threats when attempting to bypass protesters. Despite the police temporarily moving the protesters to allow the car to proceed, the man persisted, causing a scene that delayed and disrupted the flow of traffic. Tempers flared, leading to tense moments that could have escalated further if not for the intervention of law enforcement.
The Battle For Wages
Union representative Roberto Fernández emphasized the need for fair wages for drivers. In dialogue with journalists, he explained, "We come from 23 years of subsidies; the sector is always for the same people, some work with 10-year-old buses, and others work with expired ones. Someone did things wrong, invested wrong or administered wrong." This sentiment rings true for drivers who, due to their low income, are forced to work second jobs or seek additional means of income to support themselves and their families.
The UTA previously proposed a 9% increase in wages, with the business chamber offering 6-7%. Tensions rose as the UTA later demanded a 50% increase, leading to a breakdown in negotiations and the eventual declaration of the strike.
Union members seem steadfast in their decision to continue the strike, but the duration remains uncertain. "We want a response from the union," Pablo Pizani, a union representative, admitted in a press conference, hinting that more decisions would be made in the coming hours. Sustained tension and violence are likely to continue as these negotiations unfold.
Operating Lines and trains
While many bus lines continue their strike, some companies and lines have chosen to operate, either partially or in full. For instance, the following DOTA and Metropol lines are currently running:
DOTA Lines Operating:
- 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 28, 31, 44, 50, 51, 56, 57, 74, 76, 78, 79, 84, 87, 91, 99, 100, 101, 106, 107, 108, 111, 115, 117, 127, 130, 134, 135, 146, 150, 158, 161, 164, 168, 177, 188
Metropol Lines Operating:
- 65, 90, 136, 151, 163, 176, 182, 194, 195
Due to the fluid nature of the situation, it is essential to check the status of your specific line on the day, as temporary suspensions or service cuts could occur last-minute.
As the strike continues, commuters and residents alike will face ongoing tensions, disruptions, and uncertain travel plans. Solidarity remains key in navigating this tumultuous situation. In the words of efforts like Marcelo Peretta's, "We need to stick together and support one another through this rough time."
- The UTA's nationwide bus strike on May 6th, 2025, has created chaos across the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (AMBA), affecting over 300 short and medium distance routes.
- The strike is reminiscent of the UTA's 51-hour strike in 2021, where they demanded better working conditions and an increase in salaries.
- In the midst of the strike, a man named Gabriel Gusso claimed to be a UTA spokesperson, but reporters later revealed he is not affiliated with the union.
- Marcelo Peretta, a candidate for the Plural Movement, offered his campaign bus to help commuters amidst the strike, demonstrating solidarity towards those affected.
- At the Puente Pueyrredón, a driver was met with hostility and physical threats when attempting to bypass protesters, leading to tense moments.
- Union representative Roberto Fernández emphasized the need for fair wages for drivers, pointing out the issues of outdated buses and low income.
- The UTA previously proposed a 9% increase in wages, with the business chamber offering 6-7%, but later demanded a 50% increase, leading to a breakdown in negotiations.
- Union members seem steadfast in their decision to continue the strike, but the duration remains uncertain.
- While many bus lines continue their strike, some companies and lines like DOTA and Metropol are operating, with specific lines like the DOTA Lines 6, 7, 8, and Metropol Line 65 currently running.
- To navigate the strike's disruptions, commuters must check the status of their specific line on the day, as service cuts could occur last-minute.
- In thexmlbaclwfr of the strike, the science of personal-finance, healthcare, medical-conditions, health-and-wellness, entertainment, lifestyle, technology, education-and-self-development, politics, crime-and-justice, finance, space-and-astronomy, sports, and sports-betting are expressing solidarity and offering advice on coping mechanisms.
- The ongoing bus strike has numerous implications for business and investing, with economic experts predicting potential financial repercussions for various sectors within the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (AMBA).
