José Antonio Kast's government withdrew the ramal negotiation bill, approved by the Chamber of Deputies' Labor Commission on March 3, drawing opposition criticism for allegedly restricting workers' rights. Lawmakers like Luis Cuello and Gael Yeomans question the move and demand explanations from the executive. The government argues it prioritizes job creation amid high unemployment.
On March 3, the Chamber of Deputies' Labor Commission approved in general the ramal negotiation bill, submitted by Gabriel Boric's government. The initiative aimed to allow workers and employers in the same economic sector to agree on minimum standards for work conditions, occupational health and safety, salaries, wealth distribution, and productivity. It was praised by the former ruling coalition and the Central Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT), but on Tuesday the new government withdrew it from the legislative agenda, as reported by La Tercera. Opposition lawmakers reacted strongly. Deputy Luis Cuello (PC), a commission member, requested an official letter to the government to explain the constitutional powers used, citing a report from the Fundación Jaime Guzmán. “There is no faculty in the Constitution to withdraw a bill,” Cuello stated, adding it is “a clear signal that we are facing a government that does not believe in social dialogue.” Deputy Gael Yeomans (Frente Amplio) claimed “the withdrawal of the ramal negotiation bill is a mandate from the CPC” and criticized the government's labor agenda. Deputy Boris Barrera (PC) called it a “bad signal” from a government for “the richest.” From the executive, the minister secretary general of the Presidency, José García Ruminot, explained: “The government's main duty in employment matters is to create new jobs,” and that the withdrawal provides “greater certainty” for SMEs to hire. Labor Minister Tomás Rau warned that setting high salary floors could make many SMEs unsustainable, leading to informality or closures. President José Antonio Kast reinforced: “Is ramal negotiation urgent today? We believe not,” citing over 850,000 people without formal employment and the need to prioritize jobs and security.
