Argentina Deputies Approve Labor Reform Amid Strike

Argentina's Chamber of Deputies approved a controversial labor reform bill on Thursday, February 19, amid a nationwide general strike that paralyzed much of the country, including the capital Buenos Aires. The legislation, a key element of President Javier Milei's free-market agenda, passed with 135 votes in favor and 115 against, but requires Senate approval following last-minute changes.

The 24-hour strike, organized by the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), marked the fourth major work stoppage under Milei's administration since he took office in late 2023. Unions mobilized hundreds of thousands of workers across sectors, including transport, banking, public services and education, to protest measures they view as a rollback of labor protections. Subways and most bus lines in Buenos Aires ceased operations, while Aerolineas Argentinas canceled 255 flights, resulting in estimated losses of 300 million. Banks and schools closed in solidarity, and maritime workers extended a separate 48-hour walkout, halting cargo operations at the port of Rosario and affecting at least 12 grain ships carrying 381,000 metric tons of exports like soybeans, wheat and corn. In cities such as...