Overview
- The General Confederation of Labor led mass demonstrations Thursday that paralyzed downtown Buenos Aires and were echoed in cities nationwide.
- Lawmakers this week opened congressional review of a bill that would reduce severance pay, allow shifts of up to 12 hours, cut employer social contributions, and expand sectors where strike activity is restricted.
- Provisions in the draft also let employers divide working hours and vacations, require union authorization from employers for workplace assemblies, and mandate minimum services in more industries during strikes.
- President Javier Milei says the changes will not remove rights and will help move workers into formal jobs, with any flexible conditions requiring employee consent, including partial non‑monetary pay such as food vouchers.
- Oilseed workers called a 24‑hour strike against the proposal this week as unions pressed lawmakers to reject or amend the reform, which is expected to advance even if modified.