President Javier Milei has introduced a new labour reform proposal to Argentina’s Congress, aiming to address what his administration describes as a "rigid structure" that has hindered job creation in the country.
The bill, unveiled on Thursday (11 December), is part of Milei’s broader economic reform agenda and seeks to tackle excessive bureaucracy while providing greater flexibility for employers.
The reform includes provisions to allow businesses more control over working hours and vacation policies. It also seeks to modify severance pay, aiming to reduce costs for companies. Additionally, the bill introduces financial incentives for employers to hire workers on the books and would allow salaries to be paid in foreign currencies – measures intended to boost formal employment and improve Argentina’s business environment.
However, the proposal has faced strong opposition from unions. The General Confederation of Labour (CGT), Argentina’s largest labour federation, has vehemently condemned the bill, describing it as a threat to workers' rights.
One of the most contentious aspects of the reform is a provision requiring unions to seek employer authorisation before holding workplace assemblies. Furthermore, the bill categorises union takeovers or the obstruction of workplace entry as "very grave" infractions.
In response, the CGT has announced plans for a protest march in Buenos Aires next Thursday to rally against the reform. The union argues that the bill undermines labour protections and grants excessive power to employers.
Despite union opposition, the proposal has gained backing from the Argentina Industrial Union, which represents business interests. Martin Rappallini, President of the Argentina Industrial Union, expressed support for the bill, noting that the country’s industrial sector has been struggling with increasing competition from cheaper imports. He stated that the reform could help reverse job losses by creating more formal employment opportunities.
"We hope this will, little by little, start a process to change the dynamic of job losses," Rappallini said.
The bill is part of Milei’s broader reform agenda, which includes measures aimed at boosting the Argentine economy. With his party securing more seats in Congress following the October elections, Milei is pushing for swift action on a series of reforms during the special legislative sessions now underway.
India has approved a major arms deal with Israel valued at approximately $8.7 billion, highlighting the deepening defence partnership between the two ...
Bulgaria marked its entry into the euro zone on Thursday with a display of euro coins on the front of the central bank in the capital, Sofia....
Chelsea Football Club have parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca, after the London side have won just one of their last seven English Premier League g...
Israel will revoke the licenses of 37 aid organisations from operating in Gaza and the West Bank, stating the groups have failed to meet the requireme...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 14th of November, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Some tariffs on foods and other imports from Argentina, Ecuador, Guatemala, and El Salvador will be removed under framework agreements that give U.S. firms greater market access, the United States said on Thursday.
Argentina’s former president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, went on trial on Thursday over allegations of bribery linked to public works contracts awarded during her time in office.
Argentina has boosted security along its border with Brazil following a large-scale police operation against the Comando Vermelho gang in Rio de Janeiro, which has reportedly left more than 100 people dead since it began on Tuesday.
Dozens of people are feared dead and around 100 others injured after an explosion tore through a crowded bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, authorities said.
The Russian radio station known as 'Doomsday Radio' (or UVB-76) unexpectedly began playing ‘Swan Lake’, music from a ballet composition. The last time this was done was during the deaths of Soviet-era leaders and the 1991 coup.
Protests in Iran over soaring prices and a plunging rial have spread to universities in Tehran, as students join shopkeepers and bazaar merchants in demanding government action. With inflation above 42% and the rial at record lows, unrest continues to grow across the country.
As Russia’s war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, rising casualties, economic struggles, and mounting unrest expose cracks in society. Despite Kremlin propaganda, frustration is growing as more Russians question the government’s narrative, according to The Washington Post.
European leaders held talks on Ukraine after Russia said it would revise its negotiating position, citing an alleged Ukrainian drone attack that Kyiv has firmly denied.
India has approved a major arms deal with Israel valued at approximately $8.7 billion, highlighting the deepening defence partnership between the two countries.
Bulgaria marked its entry into the euro zone on Thursday with a display of euro coins on the front of the central bank in the capital, Sofia.
Chelsea Football Club have parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca, after the London side have won just one of their last seven English Premier League games.
Israel will revoke the licenses of 37 aid organisations from operating in Gaza and the West Bank, stating the groups have failed to meet the requirements under new registration rules.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment