BUENOS AIRES, February 11, 2024 — Argentina is bracing for widespread disruption Wednesday as the powerful General Confederation of Labor (CGT) leads a national protest against proposed labor reforms. The CGT, representing a significant portion of the country’s workforce, is mobilizing to oppose changes they claim will erode worker protections and exacerbate economic instability.
Labor Protests Set to Disrupt Argentina
Workers and unions are preparing for a day of action against proposed changes to labor laws.
- The CGT will hold a major rally in front of Congress in Buenos Aires starting at 3 p.m. Wednesday.
- The Argentine Confederation of Transport Workers (CATT) has called for a nationwide transportation strike beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday.
- Key concerns center around proposed changes to hiring/firing rules, the right to strike, and union power.
- The government insists the reforms are necessary to stimulate job creation and economic growth.
The planned demonstrations, announced last Friday, are a direct response to a labor reform project sent by the Executive Branch to Congress. The CGT argues the proposed changes represent a step backward for Argentine workers, threatening their rights and job security. The protest is expected to draw a large crowd, with organizers anticipating a “forceful and multitudinous” turnout.
What specific changes are sparking this widespread opposition? The proposed reforms include increased flexibility in hiring and firing practices, restrictions on the right to strike, and measures that unions fear will weaken their organizational strength. Other contentious points include the potential for extending the workday to 12 hours, eliminating certain collective bargaining protections, and establishing a new Work Cease Fund (FAL).
Who is Organizing the Protest?
The mobilization is being spearheaded by key figures within the CGT, including Gerardo Martinez (Uocra), Hector Daer (Health), José Luis Lingeri (Sanitary Works), Sergio Romero (UDA), Julio Piumato and Maia Volcovinsky (Judicial). Legislators with union ties, such as Sergio Palazzo (La Bancaria) and Hugo Moyano (son), are also involved in coordinating the protest.
Transportation Set to Grind to a Halt
Adding to the disruption, the Argentine Confederation of Transport Workers (CATT) has announced a full-day protest for Wednesday, including a cessation of activities in the air, maritime, port, and underground sectors starting at 1 p.m. Metro workers have stated their subway strike will begin at 9 p.m. Wednesday and continue until the end of the day.
Authorities are preparing for potential disruptions, particularly around Congress. Officials recommend avoiding the area bounded by Hipólito Yrigoyen, Entre Ríos, Rivadavia, and Combate de los Pozos streets after noon. The government has stated it will enforce its anti-picket protocol, deploying federal police, gendarmerie, and other security forces.
The CGT contends the labor reform project represents “adjustment and precariousness” for workers, citing concerns over changes to compensation calculations, the creation of a Work Assistance Fund, and the potential for employers to pay salaries in non-monetary forms like food or goods. The proposed “hour bank” system and elimination of certain collective agreement protections are also drawing criticism.
