Argentina's Senate approves labor reform; proposes workdays of up to 12 hours
Argentina's Senate has approved a controversial labor reform bill that allows for workdays of up to 12 hours, marking a significant shift in labor rights.
After two months of negotiations behind closed doors, the right-wing government of Javier Milei achieved a significant victory in the Argentine Senate with the approval of a comprehensive labor reform law. This law is perceived by labor law experts as the most profound and regressive change since the return to democracy over 40 years ago. The libertarian government, following its parliamentary election victory, decided to urgently push forward a bill that dismantles many of the labor conditions established in Argentina over the past 80 years.
The labor reform, dubbed the Labor Modernization Law, underwent nearly fifty modifications to secure the support of some non-officialist senators. Despite strong opposition from the Peronist bloc and allied forces, the initiative was ultimately passed in the early hours of February 12. This development indicates a critical moment for workers' rights in Argentina, as the proposed changes could significantly impact job security and wages for millions of workers, raising concerns among labor unions and advocacy groups.
The implications of this legislative decision are extensive, as they threaten to undermine decades of labor protections that have been crucial for Argentines throughout various economic challenges. As the Milei government continues to push its agenda, the balance between labor rights and economic reforms will remain a central topic of debate in Argentine society, potentially leading to increased tensions between the government and labor representatives as they navigate the new landscape of employment laws.