CGT Confirms Massive Mobilization Against Labor Reform in Argentina

The General Confederation of Labour (CGT) confirmed this Wednesday a massive mobilization for next Thursday at Plaza de Mayo, in rejection of the labor reform project sent by the Government to the National Congress, within a framework of growing tension between the Executive and the organized labor movement. The main union leaders ratified their opposition to the central axes of the official initiative, which they consider a threat to labor rights and the role of unions in the Argentine socio-labor structure. The triumvirate leading the CGT —composed by Christian Jerónimo, Jorge Sola, and Octavio Argüello— decided to move forward with the march despite not yet considering a general strike, representing an explicit gesture of rupture with the logic of dialogue established in other areas of social negotiation. The decision was made in internal meetings in response to what they qualified as a “regressive” labor reform text, which, according to the unionists, attacks collective and individual rights and proposes structural changes that could weaken union action and collective bargaining. The official labor reform, promoted by President Javier Milei and his team, proposes broad modifications to the hiring regime, dismissals, compensation, and organization of working hours, with the aim of granting greater flexibility to the labor market. The CGT leaders warn that these changes could seriously erode the ability of unions to represent their members and maintain collectively negotiated working conditions. This call to Plaza de Mayo adds to a history of confrontations between the labor movement and the Milei administration, which since taking office in December 2023 has been the scene of multiple forceful measures and protests. The CGT has stated that the changes must be substantial and guarantee acquired rights, and has categorically rejected advances that, in their opinion, reflect an ideological logic that prioritizes flexibility over social protection.