Workers' rights under threat in Argentina due to proposed labour reforms

Human Rights Research Center
Mar 6
3 min read

March 6, 2026

HRRC strongly condemns the government of Argentina’s plan to reduce the rights of workers in the country. Reduction of job security and the removal of trade union support are expected to have a detrimental effect on an already vulnerable workforce, and pressure must be placed on President Javier Milei’s party to immediately revise the current bill.

A demonstrator holds up flares during a protest outside Argentina's National Congress on Friday [Image credit: Agustin Marcarian/Reuters]

Argentina’s parliament has approved an overhaul of the country’s labour laws in a move that is likely to reduce the influence of trade unions and allow employers to take greater advantage of workers.

Argentina’s ruling party has claimed that this initiative, which is strongly backed by president Javier Milei, will reduce unemployment and provide a stimulus to the country’s stagnant economy, with Milei himself stating on social media, “HISTORIC, we have labour modernisation”.

The bill was passed through parliament with 42 of 72 members supporting the measure, however the tension surrounding the issue has led to protests on the streets of the capital for the last two weeks. It is believed that the most serious amendments will minimise the influence of trade unions, allow the mandate of 12-hour workdays, prolong probation periods and reduce the ability for employees to go on strike.

The strongest critics of the bill have described the changes as “unconstitutional”, stating that they stand in direct opposition to the protective labour laws that were brought to fruition by General Juan Perón in the 1940s. Under the changes workers would be less protected when negotiating with employers, be forced to communicate with the companies directly and not be afforded the support of a union.

This current bill comes at a time when the employment situation in Argentina is alarming. At present 4 in 10 workers in the country are employed informally, meaning that there is no formal payment record, and legislation related to social security and tax is not followed. It also means that 40% of the country’s workforce can find themselves in situations where they have been underpaid or dismissed unfairly. Those who oppose the bill have maintained that the reforms will do nothing to address this situation, and the working conditions of those employed informally will only worsen.

There is consensus within Argentina that steps need to be taken to reduce the rate of unemployment within the country, however any steps taken should not come at the cost of rights for workers. Unless the bill is amended, it is highly likely that widespread demonstrations will continue.

Glossary

Alarming – Causing worry or concern because something seems dangerous or serious.
Amendments – Changes or additions made to a law, document, or proposal.
Consensus – General agreement among a group of people.
Detrimental – Harmful; causing damage or negative effects.
Fruition – The point when a plan or idea finally becomes successful or produces results.
Initiative – A new plan or action intended to solve a problem or improve a situation.
Legislation – Laws that are made or passed by a government.
Mandate – Official authority or permission to carry out a particular action or policy.
Modernisation – The process of updating something to make it more modern, efficient, or effective.
Overhaul – A major change or complete improvement of a system or organisation.
Probation – A trial period during which someone’s performance or behaviour is assessed.
Stagnant – Not growing, developing, or improving.
Stimulus – Something intended to encourage economic activity or growth.
Trade union – an organisation formed by workers to protect and improve their working conditions.
Vulnerable – Easily harmed or affected by problems or difficult conditions.
Widespread – Happening in many places or affecting many people.

Sources

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Workers' rights under threat in Argentina due to proposed labour reforms

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