The Argentine Congress has taken a major step by approving the labor reform proposed by President Javier Milei, marking a significant shift in labor laws that could have profound implications for workers. Passed by the Senate with a vote of 42 in favor, 28 against, and 2 abstentions, the reform introduces drastic changes that diminish workers' rights, such as reducing the calculation base for severance pay, offering alternatives for overtime payments, and imposing restrictions on the right to strike and union activities.

This reform represents a departure from labor regulations established since 1976, responding to a perceived need for modernization within Argentina's labor market. The bill had passed through the Senate and later through the Chamber of Deputies with modifications, ultimately returning to the Senate for a final affirmation. The debate leading to this decision was relatively brief, with only about twenty speakers, indicating a lack of extensive deliberation amidst strong political support for the changes championed by Milei's administration.

The implications of such sweeping reforms are likely to be felt across various sectors of the economy as they challenge established worker protections. Critics argue that the changes threaten decades of hard-fought labor rights and may lead to increased worker vulnerability in the job market. As these reforms unfold, the real-world impact on Argentinian workers and the broader economic environment will be closely observed, particularly in a nation grappling with high inflation and economic instability.