(Photo: CGTN)

Argentina's trade unions held a national strike Tuesday to protest the government's economic policies.

Strike action in Argentina cut off public transportation and closed shops, as well as ports and airports. 

This social organization represents more than 50,000 people across Argentina. 

National coordinator Silvia Saravia says the government prioritizes paying interest on foreign debt over much-needed social programs.

"People are struggling to make ends meet. Not only are they buying less food but also services (are a problem), cheaper gas is not accessible to all neighborhoods, there is a sharp rise in electricity bills, and so all this affects the quality of life of families," said Saravia.

Tuesday's strike followed a march on Monday, a response to rising unemployment and the highest in 12 years at over nine percent. And inflation is now expected to end the year above 40 percent, hitting family incomes hard.

This is the fourth strike in three years called by the unions in protest at the government's economic policies. And it is held just as President Mauricio Macri is in New York not only for the United Nations General Assembly but also to extend a loan deal with the International Monetary Fund.

Reports suggest up to five billion US dollars could be added to the 50 billion US dollar loan agreed recently, as Macri this week denied the possibility of a default. Economists in Argentina say the government is facing a complicated juggling act.

"It is difficult choice that the government has to make which is trying to bring down inflation and somehow make Argentina eligible for financing again, and with that trying to live within the means that are available and how you distribute the burden within the population," said economist Daniel Marx.

With proposed spending cuts in areas such as education and health, together with economic instability, Argentina is facing more turbulence in the coming months.