Argentine Workers Rally as Senate Prepares Final Vote on Labor Reform

Workers and opposition groups demonstrated in Buenos Aires as Argentina's Senate prepares for a decisive vote on President Milei's controversial labor reform package. The legislation would give employers more flexibility in hiring and firing practices, drawing strong opposition from unions who say it weakens worker protections.

Workers, opposition politicians, and left-wing groups took to the streets of Buenos Aires Friday as Argentina’s Senate prepared for a crucial vote on President Javier Milei’s controversial labor reform package.

The proposed legislation would give employers increased flexibility when it comes to hiring and firing decisions, severance packages, and collective bargaining negotiations. Labor unions and their Peronist political allies have strongly opposed the measure, claiming it would eliminate important worker protections against exploitation and Argentina’s frequent economic instability.

If passed by supporters of the ruling La Libertad Avanza party, the reform would represent a significant political win for Milei. The president could then highlight these major economic changes during his Congressional address scheduled for Sunday when ordinary legislative sessions begin.

The bill previously received preliminary Senate approval last week, but senators must now cast a final vote before it can become law. The government had to modify a provision that would have cut wages in half for workers taking leave due to non-work-related injuries or illnesses after opposition lawmakers strongly objected.

Friday’s Senate session will likely approve the amendment, which would finalize the legislation’s passage. Alternatively, senators could reject the changes and restore the original language, though most observers expect the former outcome.

The legislative battle has created significant tension between Milei’s administration and opposition forces. Last week’s debate in the lower chamber of Congress sparked major confrontations, with Argentina’s largest union confederation organizing a nationwide 24-hour work stoppage while protesters from various leftist organizations clashed with law enforcement outside the legislative building.

President Milei views these modifications to Argentina’s 50-year-old labor laws as essential for attracting international investment, improving worker productivity, and creating more jobs in a nation where approximately 40% of workers operate in the informal economy.

Union leaders contend the legislation would undermine worker safeguards that have been fundamental to Argentine society since Peronism emerged as the country’s leading populist movement during the 1940s.

Union statistics indicate that roughly 40% of Argentina’s 13 million registered workers hold union membership, with many maintaining close ties to the Peronist political movement.