Thousands of Argentine workers staged a general strike on Thursday (19 February) to oppose a labour reform bill backed by libertarian President Javier Milei. Unions argue the bill would undermine worker protections entrenched since the 1940s.
The legislation, passed by the lower house last week (135–115), will return to the Senate for a final vote before becoming law. The government says the reforms will boost investment and reduce informal employment.
Key provisions of the bill:
• Limits the right to strike and reduces union bargaining power
• Extends probation periods and eases firing rules
• Cuts severance pay and allows 12-hour workdays
• Restricts workers’ ability to sue employers after dismissal
Thursday’s strike, observed by factories, hospitals, banks, shops, aviation, public transport, and garbage collectors, was the largest since Milei took office. Union leader Jorge Sola reported “90% of activity had stopped,” with clashes between protesters and police, including the use of tear gas and water cannons.
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