The Chamber of Deputies began debating the labor reform on Thursday, February 19, 2026, achieving quorum with 130 lawmakers thanks to support from allied and provincial blocs. The ruling party defends updating 50-year-old regulations, while the opposition criticizes the loss of rights and questions the rushed process. Outside the chamber, protesters rallied against the bill, leading to clashes with police.
The session in the Chamber of Deputies started at 2:15 p.m. on February 19, 2026, after achieving quorum with 130 deputies present, including 93 from La Libertad Avanza, 11 from PRO, and contributions from blocs like Innovación Federal, UCR, MID, and provincial ones aligned with governors such as Osvaldo Jaldo, Raúl Jalil, Gustavo Sáenz, and Hugo Passalacqua. The bill, which already passed the Senate, introduces changes to indemnities, work hours, leaves, and collective agreements, removing Article 44 on salary reductions for non-work-related illness leaves.
During the debate, the ruling party, represented by Lisandro Almirón, defended the text: 'Regulatory frameworks are not sacred. Labor legislation is no exception. First, there must be work to regulate it.' In contrast, the opposition from Unión por la Patria and other blocs rejected it. Juan Grabois stated: 'They talk of modernization, but it's really a regression. Work without rights is slavery.' Nicolás del Caño called it 'slavish' and warned: 'They won't get away with this; they'll pay for it.' Vanesa Siley accused Peronist governors of being 'thieves and bought' for providing quorum.
Internal incidents included Florencia Carignano unplugging stenographers' cables, filmed by Lilia Lemoine, who said: 'This is unacceptable. There must be sanctions.' Horacio Pietragalla left a chain on Martín Menem's podium as a symbol of 'slavery.' Cecilia Moreau denounced violence: 'They almost broke the benches on me.'
Outside Congress, protesters toppled fences, prompting police response with tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons; at least eight detentions, per the Ministry of Security. Minister Alejandra Monteoliva warned: 'Whoever generates chaos will pay the consequences.' The debate continued with criticisms of the Labor Assistance Fund (FAL), funded by pension contributions, and Chapter 26 repealing statutes like that of journalists. The general vote was expected after 10 p.m., with the ruling party confident in approval despite tensions.
