15.02.2026 22:50
Argentina is shaken by reforms from President Javier Milei that fundamentally change the labor market. The extension of working hours, the reduction of overtime pay, and the facilitation of non-monetary payments such as food and housing instead of salaries have sparked significant backlash across the country. While unions and the opposition describe the regulations as a "blow to workers' rights," thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest the Milei government in many cities, especially in the capital, Buenos Aires.
The labor reform implemented by President Javier Milei in Argentina has led to large protests across the country. While unions and opposition parties argue that the reforms seriously undermine workers' rights, thousands of people have taken to the streets in many cities, especially in the capital Buenos Aires.
WORKING HOURS INCREASED BY 50%
With the new regulation, the daily working hours have been made flexible, allowing them to effectively increase from 8 hours to up to 12 hours. The government defends this practice on the grounds of "productivity and competitiveness," while labor organizations state that it normalizes long working hours and endangers worker health.
DECREASE IN OVERTIME PAY
One of the most controversial aspects of the reform package has been the reduction of overtime pay. In the new system, employers are given the option to offer alternatives such as "time compensation" instead of paying wages for extra hours. This situation has raised concerns that workers will experience a loss of income.
ERA OF "MEALS AND ACCOMMODATION" INSTEAD OF SALARY
Under the regulation, companies are allowed to provide part or all of employees' salaries in the form of in-kind services such as meals and accommodation instead of cash. Critics argue that this practice brings back methods abandoned in modern labor law and makes workers more dependent on employers.
UNIONS ON ALERT
Unions express that the reforms weaken the collective bargaining system and reduce workers' bargaining power by promoting individual contracts. New restrictions on the right to strike are also among the main reasons for the protests.
MILEI: WE MUST SAVE THE ECONOMY
President Milei defends the reforms, stating that the Argentine economy can only recover through such "radical free market steps." According to Milei, the regulations will encourage investment and provide an increase in employment in the long term.
PROTESTS CONTINUE
During the parliamentary discussions of the reforms, tensions have occasionally arisen between protesters and police, with reports of detentions and injuries. Opposition parties are preparing to take legal action to annul the regulations.