The General Confederation of Labor (CGT) led a massive rally Thursday in Plaza de Mayo to reject the government’s proposed labor reform. The demonstration brought together both branches of the Argentine Workers’ Central (CTA) and social movements, and featured strong warnings to the government over its proposed changes to Argentina’s labor laws.
At the main event, union leaders left the door open to further industrial action. “This plan of struggle is just beginning and, if we are not heard, it will end in a nationwide strike,” said Octavio Argüello, one of the co–general secretaries at the CGT, Argentina’s principal union federation.
Cristian Jerónimo, another CGT leader, argued that the reform “offers no solutions for the world of work” and warned that the bill “is written in a regressive manner, favoring large corporations.”
“It does not benefit small and medium-sized companies or create genuine jobs,” he continued. “On the contrary, it deepens a model that excludes young people and women.”
Criticism also focused on the broader economic and social context. Jorge Sola, another CGT co–general secretary, warned of deteriorating production and labor conditions in Argentina. “The social fabric has been unraveling for two years: one company closes every hour and hundreds of workers lose their jobs every month,” he said, explaining the call to mobilize.
The protest was decided after a midweek meeting of the CGT’s executive council, attended by leaders of major unions representing sectors including truckers, construction, and healthcare. They agreed a plan of action against the so-called Labor Modernization Law, which introduces changes to severance pay, working hours, vacations, dismissals, and the implementation of an hours bank.
The march also drew political backing. “It doesn’t contain a single element that improves workers’ conditions,” said Buenos Aires Province Governor Axel Kicillof, adding that it also lacks support from the beleaguered SME sector.
Labor reform vote pushed to February After a lengthy day of informational hearings in the Senate, the government announced that debate would be postponed to February. The original goal was to secure preliminary approval next week.
Patricia Bullrich, chair of the Senate Labor Commission, said that the new proposed date to debate the bill would be on February 10, but the commission would sign a version of the labor reform bill that was open to modifications. She was speaking during a plenary session with the Budget Commission that was working to fast-track the bill.
“This has been the request of many sectors to work on this law, instead of debating it on December 26,” added the former security minister.
December 26 will instead be dedicated to voting on the 2026 budget and the Fiscal Presumption of Innocence bill passed overnight in the lower house.
Bullrich said the commissions would sign a version of the bill to give “a certain degree of certainty,” although the final draft has not yet been made public.
“It’s good that the debate is being extended and not closed so hastily, as was being attempted, and that voices are heard,” said Senator Mariano Recalde (Fuerza Patria), while lamenting that “the version does not incorporate any observation or proposal, not even those you yourselves considered acceptable.”
The government’s plan now is to secure a commission-approved version of the 2026 Budget bill this Friday, December 19, at 10 a.m. From there, it would need to pass the bill in the Senate within the five remaining business days of the year, given that its original proposal failed to advance in the lower house after an entire chapter was struck down. If it cannot do so before year’s end, the Casa Rosada would have to decide whether to extend the 2023 Budget for a third year.
Originally published on Ámbito