Over 35 industrial unions met on Tuesday at SMATA headquarters to reject the government's labor reform project, claiming it changes rules to harm workers. Figures like Senator Mariano Recalde and Deputy Vanesa Siley criticized the initiative for weakening labor rights and unions. SMATA's Mario Manrique warned governors about workers' votes.
On Tuesday, February 3, over 35 industrial unions gathered at SMATA headquarters, convened by the Coordinadora de Sindicatos Industriales de la República Argentina (CSIRA), to voice their rejection of the government's labor reform project. Participants warned that the initiative "changes the rules so that workers lose," negatively impacting labor rights, the role of unions, and the health system.
Senator Mariano Recalde stated: “It's all lies to believe that these labor reforms generate employment.” He explained that cheapening labor increased unemployment, while double indemnity coincided with more job creation. Deputy Vanesa Siley argued that the reform “facilitates dismissals, does not create jobs,” and aims for a country with industries, social justice, and worker dignity.
Labor lawyer Álvaro Ruiz criticized the project for seeking to “kill the National Labor Justice and reduce it to a mere neighborhood justice,” stressing that job creation stems from economic expansion, not labor laws. Additionally, the 1% cut in contributions to health funds was questioned, as they already face high medical costs.
Speakers agreed that the reform weakens trade unions, bolsters employer power, limits strike rights, and violates the Constitution. The event concluded with SMATA's Mario Manrique declaring: “This Government wants to break the backbone of Peronism and it won't succeed, because it will find us all united defending workers' rights.” Addressing governors, he added: “We send them a message: watch out, workers vote too.”
Attendees included Ricardo Pignanelli (SMATA), Héctor Ponce (ATILRA), Gerardo Martínez (UOCRA), and other union leaders.
