ATE announces strike and “computer blackout” at the Argentine National Weather Service

Published at: 23/04/2026 08:45 AM

In Argentina, the State Workers Association (ATE) confirmed a strike of activities in the National Weather Service (SMN) for this Friday, April 24. The force measure will include a “computer blackout”, which will interrupt the dissemination of official data and could have serious repercussions in sectors that are key to the country's security and economy.

The conflict arises in response to an adjustment plan that contemplates the dismissal of approximately 240 workers, which represents a reduction of close to 30% of the operating plant. The union reports that this cut jeopardizes the agency's technical capacity to issue alerts and carry out essential climate monitoring throughout the territory.

In addition to staff casualties, the protest warns of the possible closure of some 40 weather stations distributed in different provinces. This reduction in technical infrastructure would affect information sovereignty and the accuracy of forecasts in critical areas, directly impacting air and maritime navigation and agro-industrial activity.

Faced with this situation, workers demand the reinstatement of those dismissed and the cessation of defunding policies in the scientific and technical sector.

The union stressed that the SMN plays a strategic role in protecting the population and that the dismantling of the service violates national emergency protocols.

Mazo News Team