The General Confederation of Labor (CGT) launched a 24-hour general strike on Thursday, February 19, 2026, protesting the government's labor reform bill debated in the Chamber of Deputies at 2 PM. The action disrupts public transport, air travel, and banking, with support from various unions. The government implemented a plan to ensure quorum for the legislative session.
The general strike called by the CGT started at midnight on February 19 and will last 24 hours, opposing the labor reform bill promoted by President Javier Milei's government. The action coincides with the debate in the Chamber of Deputies scheduled for 2 PM, aiming to approve the initiative that already passed the Senate. The government removed Article 44 on medical licenses following opposition pressure, which deemed it 'inhumane', according to PRO deputy Cristian Ritondo.
Jorge Sola, CGT general secretary, stated: 'It is a modernization project that is 100 years behind, with a workday that could extend from eight to 12 hours'. The strike has support from over 280 unions, despite threats of fines from the Ministry of Human Capital. The government warned La Fraternidad and UTA against joining, citing ongoing mandatory conciliations, but the unions confirmed participation.
The impact on transportation is severe: Aerolíneas Argentinas canceled 255 flights, affecting over 31,000 passengers and causing USD 3 million in losses. Trains, subways, buses, and taxis will not operate, per adhesions from groups like Metrodelegados and UGATT. UGATT's Omar Maturano declared: 'The day the labor reform is debated in Deputies, there will be no transportation'.
Banks will remain closed without in-person service, though digital channels and ATMs will function. The executive will deduct the day from public employees who join. Libertarian sources noted a 'plan B' with car transfers for interior deputies to address potential quorum issues from flight cancellations.
The CGT confirmed the action in a press conference at Azopardo headquarters, stressing opposition to what they see as a rollback of labor rights. Critics like Julio Piumato argued that workers' rights are enshrined in the Constitution, while supporters like Patricia Vásquez view it as providing employment predictability.
