The Argentine lower house of Congress is set to vote on a contentious labor reform, which has sparked a nationwide strike. The proposed overhaul, backed by libertarian President Javier Milei, aims to encourage investment and promote formal employment. However, the move has been met with resistance from unions, who argue that it threatens long-standing worker protections, including the right to strike. As a result, transport workers, public sector staff, and bank employees have launched a 24-hour stoppage, bringing parts of the country to a halt.
The Argentine CGT union has launched a nationwide strike in response to the proposed labor reform. The union claims that the overhaul would undermine worker protections, including the right to strike, which is a fundamental aspect of democracy. With unity and organization, workers are using their collective power to make their voices heard across the country.
Meanwhile, the state airline Aerolineas Argentinas has announced that it expects the strike to cause the cancellation of 255 flights, mostly within Argentina. This would result in significant losses for the airline, estimated at around $300 million. The impact on air travel is likely to be felt across the country, with many travelers facing disruptions to their plans.
The airport in Santiago, Chile's capital, has also announced the suspension of some flights due to the strike. This move highlights the global nature of the dispute, as workers in Argentina are not only affecting domestic operations but also international travel.
In Buenos Aires, the subway and many bus lines have come to a standstill, further exacerbating the disruption caused by the strike. The city's infrastructure is being severely impacted, with commuters facing significant challenges in getting to work or school.
The strikers have joined forces with maritime workers, who are also on strike. The walkout, which began on Wednesday, has targeted cargo vessel operations mainly in the port of Rosario, one of the world's largest agricultural export hubs. At least 12 grain ships were affected, carrying a significant amount of cargo including soybean meal and sunflower seeds.
The government argues that the bill would encourage investment and promote formal employment. However, critics argue that it would undermine worker protections and lead to exploitation. The reform would impose new limits on the right to strike by requiring essential services to maintain minimum operations during stoppages.
Manuel Adorni, Milei's chief of staff, has described the strike as 'absolutely incomprehensible'. This suggests that some members of the government see the strike as an attempt to undermine democracy and impose a particular agenda. The move highlights the deep divisions within Argentine society over issues of labor reform.
The vote in the Chamber of Deputies is expected late on Thursday, with the outcome having significant implications for investors and the broader economy. If the bill passes, it would send it back to the Senate for a final vote before becoming law. This would give lawmakers more time to consider the impact of the reform on workers and the wider community.
