Cristian Jerónimo, co-general secretary of the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), reaffirmed today the central labor union's stance not to support a labor reform considered "regressive" and denounced a "lack of willingness" from the Government to call for a negotiation forum. "The points being pushed by the Government are totally regressive, and we believe they do not align with what the Government is supposedly betting on, which is to promote job growth with the incorporation of formal work," he stated. Additionally, he expressed the central union's concern over the current economic situation and noted: "What we are seeing in recent days goes against that, there are company closures, job losses, and we are in a critical moment for the Argentine industry." He emphasized that the "deindustrialization" Argentina is suffering today is worrisome and attributed it to the "deep recession and lack of consumption" affecting small and medium-sized enterprises. "Until the Government convenes and builds a negotiation space together with the part we represent—the interests of the world of labor—we will not agree with any regressive reform," the leader sentenced, who is also the head of the Glassworkers' Union (SEIVARA). In statements to Radio Rivadavia, Jerónimo denied the idea that the CGT opposes without knowing the content of the reform. According to what the Argentine News Agency learned, the leader explained that the information they have about the reform's points comes from "the law firms of the business sector". "One thing is clear, the world of labor as we knew it has changed," he said and indicated that the possibility of generating "certain forms or a regime in which workers can be incorporated into formality" must be addressed. However, he highlighted the importance of collective labor agreements as a "tool and instrument that has worked very well so far," and cited as "successful" the agreements made in the oil and automotive industries. Finally, Jerónimo classified the possible elimination of the mandatory union quota as a "fallacy" and maintained that it is "a construction that the Government makes to degrade and slander trade union organizations." "We believe we can contribute to the discussion."
