Miley attacks Argentine unions, sparking protests as senators debate his labor reform

Buenos Aires, Argentina – Thousands of workers, mobilized by powerful labor unions, gathered outside Argentina’s Congress building on Wednesday, blocking traffic and clashing with police, as senators debated an overhaul of the country’s strict labor laws that are crucial to the government of liberal President Javier Miley. Shock therapy program.

Security forces struggled to control crowds in a central square in downtown Buenos Aires, firing water cannons and rubber bullets at demonstrators who threw petrol bombs, stones and water bottles. Security Minister Alejandra Montoleva said that two people had been arrested for attacking police officers.

The violent confrontation highlighted the sensitivity of workers’ rights in this country, which has been dominated by Peronism since the 1940s. Populist movement It has oscillated ideologically between right and left over decades, but has always claimed to defend workers’ rights.

Supporters of Mali’s labor reform blame nearly two decades of stagnation in private sector job creation on Argentina’s extremely high payroll taxes, a byzantine system of severance payments and national wage agreements that limit company-level negotiations.

The bill under discussion would provide companies with more flexibility by limiting the right to strike, extending trial periods during which companies can fire unproductive new employees, limiting the power of national trade unions in collective bargaining and reducing severance payments.

Companies say the changes will encourage much-needed foreign investment and stimulate formal employment in a country where nearly half of workers work off the books.

But they face bitter opposition from Trade unions Which helped establish contemporary Peronism and Their political allies. They argue that the bill would roll back strong protections, including against unfair dismissal, that are necessary to protect vulnerable workers from state pressure. Significantly frequent Economic shocks.

“This is not modernization, this is austerity for workers,” said the General Confederation of Labor, the largest union grouping to organize protests on Wednesday.

The heated debate in the Senate was expected to continue throughout the night. If approved, the legislation will be presented to the House of Representatives of Congress for discussion next month.