The labor reform spearheaded by Argentine President Javier Milei was approved by the Senate last Thursday, marking a significant shift in the country's labor laws. With 42 votes in favor and 30 against, the reform now moves to the Chamber of Deputies for evaluation, where it is expected to be voted on by February 25 and potentially signed into law by March 1, coinciding with the start of the ordinary sessions in Congress. This reform is seen as one of the most substantial changes to Argentina’s labor legislation in decades, updating rules that have largely been in place since the 1970s.

The path to the reform's approval has not been without difficulty, as political and social tensions have escalated, particularly in the lead-up to the Senate vote. Protests occurred in Buenos Aires where demonstrators opposed to the reform clashed with police, reflecting widespread concerns from unions and opposition parties that the proposed changes could undermine historical workers' rights. The reactions from these groups highlight the contentious atmosphere surrounding the reform and the divisions it has created within Argentine society.

Experts, as reported by g1, note that the labor reform is extensive and comprises numerous articles that are part of a larger legislative agenda put forth by Milei's administration. As the reform progresses to the Chamber of Deputies, there is potential for further modifications before it becomes law. This situation underlines the critical balance that the Milei government must maintain as it navigates the opposing forces of economic reform and social stability, which will have lasting implications for Argentina's workforce and labor relations.