Argentina's Chamber of Deputies passes controversial labour reform bill

"After a marathon 12-hour session, Argentina's lower house of Congress narrowly approved a controversial labour reform bill, in what is shaping up to be a significant win for President Javier Milei. The vote came in the early hours of Friday after a national strike in protest against the bill caused widespread factory and business closures. We have taken another step on the path to making Argentina great again, Gabriel Bornoroni, a lawmaker in Milei's party, La Libertad Avanza, wrote online after the vote."

"Members of La Libertad Avanza say the legislation will modernise the labour market by making it easier for companies to hire and fire workers, including through limits on severance pay and collective bargaining. It also allows employers to extend the workday from 8 to 12 hours, creates a time bank to replace paid overtime and reduces the amount of uninterrupted holiday a worker can take, among other provisions."

"The bill lays out new rules to govern relations between workers and employers. It is expected to become law before the end of the month, after the Senate reviews modifications to the version it first passed last week. Supporters argue the changes are essential to boost productivity, attract foreign investment and limit labour lawsuits. They have also praised provisions that offer new tax incentives for hiring and pathways to legally register Argentina's large population of informal workers."

Argentina's lower house narrowly approved a labour reform bill after a 12-hour session and national strike that closed factories and businesses. The legislation introduces new rules governing worker-employer relations and is expected to become law after Senate review. Provisions would limit severance pay and collective bargaining, allow workdays of 8 to 12 hours, create a time bank to replace paid overtime, and reduce uninterrupted holiday periods. Supporters say the changes will modernise the labour market, boost productivity, attract foreign investment, limit labour lawsuits, and incentivise formal hiring. Business leaders remain divided and unions say the reforms erode worker protections.

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