On the early morning of February 12, the Argentine Senate passed a labor reform project backed by President Javier Milei, which is considered one of the most contentious laws he has proposed. The reform is particularly controversial because it significantly alters workers' rights that have been established over decades. One of the most debated aspects of the proposal is the extension of the workday to 12 hours, but it also includes changes to subsidies aimed at the film sector in Argentina.

The proposed reform seeks to modify Article 198 of the Labor Contract Law, specifying that the maximum workday could be up to 12 hours, with a weekly rest period of 35 hours. This change is likely to ignite debates around the balance between employee rights and employer flexibility, as many labor advocates argue that the reform undermines hard-won rights and protections for workers. The reform is still pending approval as it now heads to the Chamber of Deputies, where further discussions and potential modifications may occur.

As the bill progresses, its implications for Argentine workers and the labor market as a whole are significant. If enacted, the reform could reshape labor relations in a country grappling with economic challenges, possibly leading to increased exploitation while providing employers with more leeway. Labor unions and workers' rights groups are expected to mobilize against these changes, emphasizing the need to protect the rights of workers in the face of such a substantial overhaul of labor laws.