Buenos Aires, Argentina – A nationwide strike brought much of Argentina to a standstill on , as unions protested President Javier Milei’s sweeping overhaul of the country’s labor laws. The strike, the fourth of Milei’s presidency, saw widespread disruption to transport, banking, and other essential services, coinciding with a crucial vote on the proposed reforms in the Chamber of Deputies.
The 24-hour general strike, organized by the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), saw Buenos Aires particularly affected. Subway services were suspended, bus lines operated at reduced capacity, and Aerolineas Argentinas cancelled 255 flights, incurring an estimated loss of $300 million. Schools and banks also closed their doors in solidarity with the protesting workers, effectively halting normal activity across the capital.
Demonstrators gathered outside the Congress building as lawmakers began debating the bill, with some clashes reported between protesters and police, who deployed water cannons to disperse crowds. The CGT called on citizens to demonstrate their opposition to the labor reforms in the streets, in Congress, in the courts and in every workplace
, according to a statement released on social media. The union argued that If they attack workers’ rights, they attack national industry and the future of the country
, asserting that Rights are not negotiable
.
Despite the widespread disruption and vocal opposition, the lower house of Congress approved the labor reform bill in a vote held shortly after midnight on . The bill passed with 135 votes in favor and 115 against, with no abstentions. The ruling La Libertad Avanza party secured the passage of the bill with support from several other political factions, including Fuerzas del Cambio, Producción y Trabajo, Innovación Federal, Provincias Unidas, Independencia, and Neuquinidad.
Opposition parties, primarily the Peronist caucus, largely voted against the reforms, alongside members of Provincias Unidad, and a handful of left-wing lawmakers. Individual votes against the bill were also cast by Marcela Pagano and Jorge Fernández, who represent single-member caucuses.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where the government intends to expedite the process. Plans are in place to review the bill in committee , with a final vote expected shortly thereafter. The Milei administration is pushing for swift passage of the reforms, viewing them as crucial to addressing Argentina’s long-standing economic challenges.
The specifics of the labor reforms have not been detailed in the available source material, but the scale of the union response suggests they represent a significant departure from existing labor protections. The strike action underscores the deep divisions within Argentine society over Milei’s economic policies, which have included austerity measures and attempts to liberalize the economy.
Milei, who assumed office in , has pledged to overhaul Argentina’s economic system, which has been plagued by high inflation and debt. His proposals have faced consistent resistance from labor unions and opposition groups, who fear they will erode workers’ rights and exacerbate economic inequality. This latest strike highlights the challenges Milei faces in implementing his agenda and navigating the complex political landscape of Argentina.
The timing of the strike also coincided with a meeting between President Milei and a Board of Peace in Washington D.C. On , suggesting the government is attempting to engage with international partners while simultaneously confronting domestic opposition. The broader implications of the labor reforms, and the potential for further social unrest, remain to be seen.
Argentina has a long history of labor activism and social movements. Unions have traditionally played a powerful role in Argentine politics, and their opposition to Milei’s reforms reflects a broader concern about the direction of the country. The government’s ability to navigate these challenges will be critical to its success in addressing Argentina’s economic woes and achieving its long-term goals.
