The Argentine government delayed sending the labor reform bill to Congress due to President Javier Milei's absence and last-minute negotiations with the CGT. The initiative might be discussed in committees next week, but approval before year's end is unlikely. The labor union rejects the draft and is pushing for changes to sensitive points.
The labor reform bill promoted by Javier Milei's government has not yet been sent to Congress, preventing its immediate discussion in the Senate. The delay is mainly due to the president's absence, as he returns from Oslo, Norway, after attending the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony for Corina Machado. His signature is required to start the process, with uncertainty about whether the submission will happen tonight or Thursday, according to Noticias Argentinas.
Given these timelines, the Labor and Social Security Committee could meet on Monday or Tuesday, potentially issuing a report on Wednesday. However, treatment in the Senate plenary might only occur on December 29 or 30, making approval this year unlikely, contrary to the government's initial expectations.
Meanwhile, the CGT maintains strong criticisms and accelerates negotiations with the executive on the final text. The union outright rejects the initiative but seeks to at least preserve aspects such as ultra-activity, collective bargaining agreements, and union dues. Cristian Jerónimo, from the Glass Industry Union, described the project as 'regressive' and stressed that without a real negotiation table with labor representatives, they will not support changes affecting acquired rights.
On Thursday, the CGT called its executive council to meet at noon at the Azopardo headquarters to unify positions. Gerardo Martínez from UOCRA was absent from a previous May Council meeting where the government presented preliminary conclusions. Additionally, union leaders like Jorge Sola and Jerónimo met with Peronist legislators such as Guillermo Michel and Gustavo Bordet to analyze the reform and its impact on sectors like citrus and poultry in Entre Ríos. Michel stated: 'A labor reform alone does not create jobs; generating employment requires a sustained economic growth process that protects and promotes industry and national production.'
At 5 PM, the CGT leadership will visit Congress, invited by PJ senators to discuss the bill's content before it reaches the upper house. Meanwhile, in the Casa Rosada, officials admit delays in publication, reviewing sensitive articles due to political impact. Journalist Mariana Mei warned that it is 'quite impossible' to address the labor reform and other initiatives before December 30, given the ambitious agenda of extraordinary sessions and the lack of formed committees.
