The National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA, by its Spanish acronym) has fired 61 workers employed on temporary contracts, including highly specialized technicians with extensive training.

The agency’s headquarters in northern Buenos Aires was surrounded by military police officers in full riot gear, including shields, as employees staged a peaceful protest over the dismissals. 

Officers also entered and occupied the building, and videos shared on social media showed them escorting CNEA authorities out while workers shouted insults and demanded explanations.

“What have you done?” and “Shame on you!” workers can be heard shouting at CNEA president Martín Porro in a video posted by lawmaker Pablo Juliano.

ESTAN APAGANDO LA CIENCIA ARGENTINADonde sus amigos no pueden hacer negocios, Milei pasa la motosierra y reprime trabajadores.Lanzaron el RIGI para minería y energía. Ahora lanzan el SUPER RIGI para proyectos "innovadores". Pero mientras tanto, apagan el sistema científico.… pic.twitter.com/medb2SmXEy— Pablo Juliano (@PabloJulianoLP) June 30, 2026

ESTAN APAGANDO LA CIENCIA ARGENTINADonde sus amigos no pueden hacer negocios, Milei pasa la motosierra y reprime trabajadores.Lanzaron el RIGI para minería y energía. Ahora lanzan el SUPER RIGI para proyectos "innovadores". Pero mientras tanto, apagan el sistema científico.… pic.twitter.com/medb2SmXEy

Those dismissed account for more than 17% of the approximately 350 CNEA employees working under temporary contracts, which were originally issued for one-year terms. This year, however, the agency began renewing those contracts every three months.

The 61 workers were notified of their dismissal by email on Monday, informing them that their contracts would end the following day,........

© Buenos Aires Herald