Argentinas Capital Paralyzed by Strike Over Labour Reforms

A General Strike in Argentina as Chamber of Deputies Debates Labour Reforms

A 24-hour general strike has brought much of Buenos Aires to a halt, with businesses closing and demonstrators taking to the streets to protest against proposed labour reforms. The strike, which was called by one of Argentina’s largest unions, the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), coincides with the Chamber of Deputies’ debate on the labour reforms.

The reforms, which have been pushed by President Javier Milei’s party, La Libertad Avanza, include provisions to make it easier for companies to fire employees and reduce severance pay. The bill also lengthens the standard workday from eight hours to 12 and curtails the right to strike in part through an expansion of what constitutes essential work.

As a result of the protest, subways were shut down, fewer bus lines were operating, and Aerolineas Argentinas, the state airline, anticipated cancelling 255 flights at a loss of $300m. Even banks and schools were closed in solidarity with the strike.

The CGT has called on citizens to show their opposition to the labour reform “in the streets, in Congress, in the courts, and in every workplace.” The union stated that if workers’ rights are attacked, it would be an attack on national industry and the country’s future.

The Chamber of Deputies is expected to debate the reforms further, with analysts predicting they will pass. A version of the bill has already passed Argentina’s Senate, and if amended, it would need to return to the Senate for a final vote.

The strike was seen as an important message from lawmakers, with the CGT stating that it would stand firm against any attempt to roll back hard-won rights.

Source: Al Jazeera