Argentina Senate Approves Controversial Labor Reform Amid Protests
The Argentine Senate has approved President Javier Milei’s controversial labor reform bill, marking a significant step toward its enactment. The legislation, which passed with 42 votes in favor and 30 opposed, aims to modernize labor laws by restricting strike rights, authorizing 12-hour workdays, reducing severance payments, and facilitating easier dismissals. To secure approval, the government made 28 concessions, including removing a clause that would have lowered employers' income taxes to protect provincial revenues. The bill now moves to the Chamber of Deputies, with Milei targeting final approval by March 1. The vote followed over 13 hours of debate and sparked intense opposition, with thousands of protesters gathering outside Congress. Security forces responded with water cannons and tear gas. Major trade unions, including the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), condemned the reforms as a regression of workers' rights and a move to create a cheap labor hub. International critics, such as the International Trade Union Confederation, described the changes as an attack on democracy that could deepen inequality. The government argues the reforms are necessary to expand the formal economy, where 40% of workers currently operate informally.
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Argentina Senate Approves Controversial Labor Reform Amid Protests
The Argentine Senate has approved President Javier Milei’s controversial labor reform bill, marking a significant step toward its enactment. The legislation, which passed with 42 votes in favor and 30 opposed, aims to modernize labor laws by restricting strike rights, authorizing 12-hour workdays, reducing severance payments, and facilitating easier dismissals. To secure approval, the government made 28 concessions, including removing a clause that would have lowered employers' income taxes to protect provincial revenues. The bill now moves to the Chamber of Deputies, with Milei targeting final approval by March 1. The vote followed over 13 hours of debate and sparked intense opposition, with thousands of protesters gathering outside Congress. Security forces responded with water cannons and tear gas. Major trade unions, including the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), condemned the reforms as a regression of workers' rights and a move to create a cheap labor hub. International critics, such as the International Trade Union Confederation, described the changes as an attack on democracy that could deepen inequality. The government argues the reforms are necessary to expand the formal economy, where 40% of workers currently operate informally.
Argentina Reports