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Argentina's Labor Reform Sparks Protests and Police Clashes

2/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

President Javier Milei's labor reform bill passed Argentina's Senate 42-30 after more than 13 hours of debate.
The reform would permit 12-hour workdays, cut severance pay, and limit the right to strike.
Protests outside Congress turned into clashes with police, with at least 15 arrests.
Unions and opposition warn the reforms threaten workers' rights, and the bill now moves to the Chamber of Deputies for debate.

History

Historical Context

In 1976, Argentina's military coup led by Jorge Rafael Videla initiated a period of severe repression and neoliberal economic policies, including a 50% cut in severance pay and restrictions on unions. These measures sparked widespread protests. Today, President Javier Milei's proposed labor reforms, echoing this oppressive history, threaten to further undermine workers' rights, igniting similar unrest across the nation.

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Story summary

President Javier Milei's labor reform bill passed Argentina's Senate 42-30 after more than 13 hours of debate.
The reform would permit 12-hour workdays, cut severance pay, and limit the right to strike.
Protests outside Congress turned into clashes with police, with at least 15 arrests.
Unions and opposition warn the reforms threaten workers' rights, and the bill now moves to the Chamber of Deputies for debate.

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