Argentina's Chamber of Deputies, after a marathon debate lasting nearly 12 hours, voted in favor of a key labor market reform for President Javier Milei's government. The new regulations, which include extending the workday to 12 hours and making layoffs easier, were supported by 135 deputies, with 115 votes against. The vote took place under the shadow of the fourth general strike of this term, which paralyzed transport and commerce across the country.

Parliament Adopts Key Project

The Chamber of Deputies passed the bill with a vote of 135 to 115, sending the document with amendments back to the Senate.

Government Concessions in the Bill

The controversial provision on reducing sick pay benefits was removed from the document, allowing the government to secure votes from centrist deputies.

Country Paralyzed by Strikes

The fourth general strike led to the cancellation of 225 flights and a complete halt of public transport in Buenos Aires.

Explosion in the Capital Center

At the Gendarmerie School, an explosion occurred from a device hidden in a package, resulting in injuries to two workers.

Argentina's Chamber of Deputies has taken a milestone step toward implementing the radical economic reforms championed by the administration of Javier Milei. After hours of tumultuous deliberations, the lower house of Congress passed the labor modernization bill. The document was supported by 135 deputies, while 115 were opposed. To secure the necessary majority, the government made a concession and removed from the bill the most controversial provision regarding the reduction of wages during sick leave. The bill will now return to the Senate, which must approve the introduced amendments. The adoption of the reform occurred in an atmosphere of immense social tension. On Thursday, Argentina was paralyzed by the fourth general strike since Milei's inauguration, organized by trade unions under the leadership of the powerful CGT confederation. According to union leaders, support for the protest reached 90 percent in key sectors. Hundreds of flights were canceled, train and subway services were halted, and the streets of Buenos Aires became the scene of clashes between demonstrators and police. Officers used tear gas and water cannons against groups throwing bottles near the Congress building. Current labor law in Argentina is largely based on regulations enacted back in 1974, during a period of strong Peronist ideological influence, which emphasized broad social protection for workers.The government argues that deregulation is essential to stimulate the crisis-ridden and hyperinflation-hit economy. The reform introduces, among other things, the possibility of extending the daily work limit to 12 hours and significantly reduces severance costs for employers. Critics, including the Peronist opposition, describe the new law as "slave-like," warning of an attack on the acquired rights of the working class. The situation was further inflamed by an incident at the Gendarmerie School in Buenos Aires, where a package bomb exploded on Friday morning, injuring at least two people. 12 h — maximum daily work norm in the reformKalendarium batalii o reformę pracy: 12 lutego — Pierwsze głosowanie w Senacie; 19 lutego — Strajk generalny; 20 lutego — Zgoda Izby Deputowanych; 20 lutego, rano — Wybuch bomby

Mentioned People

  • Javier Milei — President of Argentina, initiator of radical labor market reform.
  • Jorge Sola — Trade union leader, spokesperson for the CGT confederation.