On Thursday, Argentina came to a standstill due to a massive strike organized by the country's largest labor federation opposing President Javier Milei's proposed labor reforms. This strike aims to halt congressional proceedings as lawmakers in the Chamber of Deputies consider a bill that Milei sees as key to his administration's early agenda. The bill proposes extending daily working hours to twelve, making layoffs cheaper, and reducing employer contributions, which the unions argue jeopardize workers' rights and job security.

The legislative debate in the Chamber of Deputies started at 2 PM local time after the Senate approved the bill last week. However, if the Deputies pass the revised version, it must be returned to the Senate for consideration of last-minute amendments introduced under pressure from Milei's political allies. These changes have raised concerns about the unity of support for the reform, as some allies may withdraw their backing if their demands are not met. This back-and-forth process highlights the political tensions surrounding labor issues in Argentina as the government pushes for significant economic changes.

The implications of this labor reform extend beyond immediate workplace conditions as it reflects President Milei's broader economic agenda aimed at revitalizing Argentina’s struggling economy. The strike indicates a strong opposition front, suggesting that if implemented, these reforms may lead to further social unrest and questioning of the government’s approach to economic recovery, demonstrating the delicate balance between pushing for change and addressing the concerns of the workforce.