General strike in Buenos Aires protests Milei's labor reforms

General strike paralyzes Buenos Aires

A 24-hour general strike brought Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, to a standstill on Thursday. Businesses closed and protesters flooded the streets to oppose President Javier Milei's proposed labor reforms.

This was the fourth major strike since Milei took office in 2023. The action was called by one of the country's largest unions, the General Confederation of Labor (CGT).

Transport and commerce grind to a halt

The strike caused massive disruptions across the city. Subway systems were shut down and bus service was severely limited.

The state airline, Aerolineas Argentinas, canceled 255 flights at an estimated loss of $300 million. Banks and schools also closed in solidarity with the labor action.

Unions condemn "regressive" reforms

The CGT urged citizens to oppose the reforms "in the streets, in Congress, in the courts and in every workplace." It argued the legislation attacks workers' rights and the nation's industrial future.

"Rights are not negotiable," the union stated in a social media post. It pledged to stand firm against any rollback of hard-won protections.

What the labor reform bill includes

The controversial bill, debated in the Chamber of Deputies on the day of the strike, contains several major changes. The Milei administration argues these measures are needed to attract foreign investment and boost profitability by cutting restrictive regulations.

Key provisions of the legislation include:

• Making it easier for companies to fire employees
• Reducing mandated severance pay
• Extending the standard workday from 8 to 12 hours
• Curtaining the right to strike by expanding the definition of "essential" work

Milei's agenda and political backing

President Milei, a libertarian, campaigned on a platform of drastic economic deregulation. He famously used a chainsaw at rallies to symbolize his intent to cut state spending and bureaucracy.

He has the political backing of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The two right-wing leaders met in Washington, D.C., on Thursday for an event.

Before Argentina's midterms last October, Trump pledged a $20 billion currency swap contingent on positive results for Milei's party, La Libertad Avanza. The coalition won, securing over 40 percent of the popular vote.

The bill's path through Congress

The labor reform bill has already passed Argentina's Senate. While it faces stiff opposition in the Chamber of Deputies, analysts project it will ultimately pass.

If the Chamber amends the legislation, it would return to the Senate for a final vote. The CGT stated the widespread strike was a clear message of rejection to lawmakers considering the "regressive" law.