Argentina is facing mass layoffs in the public sector. The government of Javier Milei has approved a plan to cut 27,000 positions in national agencies, state-owned companies, and societies, mostly through non-renewal of contracts, restructurings, and voluntary retirement programs. The Secretariat of Communication has hired nearly 300 advisors, consultants, and assistants with an average salary of at least 2 million pesos, costing the state nearly 47 billion pesos per month. Labor unions are opposing these measures. For instance, the leadership of the INTA Workers' Association rejected the plan for 1,500 voluntary retirements approved by the scientific institute's board at the government's request. In ANSES, the goal is to cut a total of 2,500 positions. Union sources suspect that if 1,000 voluntary resignations are not achieved, other employees will be forced out. Rodolfo Aguiar, the Secretary General of the Association of State Workers (ATE), stated that the government cannot proceed with more cuts, as over half of Argentines hold it responsible for the current crisis. He added that if the administration truly wants to end corruption in the state, it should fire Adorni. According to former Economy Minister Sturzenegger, savings of over $2.4 billion were achieved through workforce reductions and salary freezes, yet this money was not used to build a single kilometer of asphalt, maintain roads, or replace a single public light bulb.
