On Friday morning, the Argentine lower house approved a contentious labor market reform with a vote of 135 to 115, in support of libertarian President Javier Milei. This legislative move comes despite significant opposition, including a nationwide strike organized by Argentine unions on Thursday. The reform had been previously passed by the Senate, but due to amendments made in the lower house, it will now need to return to the Senate for a final vote.

The proposed labor market reform includes several notable changes aimed at increasing labor flexibility, such as loosening hiring regulations, altering vacation entitlements, and extending the standard workweek from eight to twelve hours. Additionally, the reform seeks to limit the right to strike by introducing mandatory minimum service requirements for certain sectors, which has raised concerns among labor representatives. The General Confederation of Labor (CGT), a powerful union federation, played a significant role in mobilizing protests against the bill, illustrating the deep divisions over labor policies in the country.

As Argentina grapples with economic challenges, including high inflation and unemployment, the implications of these reforms are far-reaching. While supporters argue that increasing flexibility in the labor market will stimulate job creation and economic recovery, opponents fear that these changes will undermine workers' rights and living standards. The ongoing tensions highlight the complexities involved in enacting reforms that can significantly alter labor dynamics in the country, and the future political landscape will likely be influenced by how these reforms are received by both the public and various interest groups.