Labor reform: the ruling party is confident and claims to have more than 130 votes to pass the law in the Chamber of Deputies
The ruling party in Argentina is poised to pass a labor reform bill in the Chamber of Deputies, claiming to have enough votes for approval despite needing to return to the Senate afterwards.
The Argentine government is preparing for what it anticipates will be another legislative victory with the ruling party asserting it has secured over 130 votes to pass labor reform legislation in the Chamber of Deputies. This confidence comes after negotiations that led to the removal of an article changing the sick leave provisions from the bill. The current proposal modifies how severance pay is calculated and redefines vacation modalities, among other changes, which reflects broader efforts to adjust labor regulations within the country.
Despite the ruling party's expected approval in the Chamber of Deputies, the bill will require a subsequent review by the Senate, where quick processing is being sought ahead of the deadline of February 27. The legislation originated from a proposal sent by the government in December, which recently received initial approval from the Senate last week, signaling political support for these reforms within government circles. Liberty groups express concern over the implications of these changes, particularly regarding employees' rights and protections.
The ruling party's ability to align votes similarly to how the budget was passed—132 in favor, 97 against, and 17 abstentions—suggests a strategic political maneuvering that has resonated with lawmakers. The debates surrounding the sick leave article have sparked controversy, but for the ruling party, the focus remains on the broader goals of labor reform and its implications on the socioeconomic landscape in Argentina, as they seek to navigate opposition and secure the necessary legislative backing.