Milei's labor reform goes to a vote in the Senate amid strikes and protests in the streets
The labor reform proposed by President Javier Milei is set for a Senate vote in Argentina this Friday, coinciding with widespread protests and a strike by various labor groups.
The Argentine Senate is scheduled to vote on President Javier Milei's proposed labor reform this Friday, a move seen as a critical moment for his administration. This legislative battle comes at a time when various labor groups, united under the Frente Sindical Unida (FreSU), are mobilizing with strikes and substantial protests outside Congress. This highlights the contentious atmosphere surrounding the reform, as public discontent rises against the changes proposed by the government.
The labor reform was passed in the Chamber of Deputies on the previous Thursday, with a close vote of 135 to 115. The approval was achieved after significant negotiations, resulting in around 30 changes to the initial proposal, removing the most controversial elements that faced backlash. This ongoing unrest is likely to impact the senators' deliberations, as the threat of continued protests looms large, potentially affecting the decisions they make regarding the reform.
As the Senate prepares to deliberate the reform, key decisions will be made about whether to maintain the version passed by the Chamber or to propose further amendments. The outcome of this vote is pivotal, not only for Milei's political future but also for the Argentine labor landscape and the relationship between the government and labor unions. The protests signify a broader societal response to the government's policies, reflecting the deep divisions in Argentine politics regarding economic reforms and labor rights.