Mass protests against Labor Reform
Amalia Antúnez
18 | 2 | 2026
In Buenos Aires, as in other cities around the country, thousands of people came out to protest against the Labor Reform furthered by the government of Javier Milei and were viciously repressed.
Pensioners, students, and workers gathered under various unions and social organizations took part in the protest held on Wednesday, February 11, while the Senate was voting on the bill, which ultimately obtained half sanction.
The initiative represents a serious setback for social and labor rights. The protests reflected not only the climate of social and political tension in Argentina, but also the firm refusal of broad sectors of the working classes to relinquish rights that were secured through years of organization and struggle.
The streets turned once again into an arena of resistance, in a clear demonstration of how any attempt at labor precarization will be met with resistance from the masses.
WORKING DAY: The reform will give employers the possibility of extending workdays to 12 consecutive hours.
HOUR BANK: The traditional overtime scheme will be replaced with a compensation system.
DYNAMIC WAGE: The reform introduces flexible payment modalities, including payments in kind or changes in wage structure.
DIGITAL PLATFORMS: Platform workers will be excluded from the traditional worker-employer relationship.
VACATION TIME: Employers will be allowed to fraction vacation time into periods of up to one week.
SEVERANCE PAY: Management will have the option of paying dismissed workers in up to 12 installments.
DISCRIMINATORY DISMISSAL: The reform puts a cap of 50% to 100 % on any additional compensation awarded by courts in such cases.
RIGHT TO STRIKE: Workers will have to guarantee a minimum of 50% to 75 % coverage of work activities during union actions.
ASSEMBLIES: Workers will need to obtain permission from management to hold assemblies
