On Jan 24, 2024, Argentina’s judiciary deemed six sections of President Milei’s Decree unconstitutional.
These sections propose changes to labor laws and union rights in the country.
Details of the annulled sections include:
- Section 73: Eliminates mandatory union contributions by Argentine workers.
- Section 79: Allows for an increase in individual work hours while ensuring a 12-hour rest period.
- Section 86: Ends the validity of previous union agreements, allowing for new agreements directly between employers and employees.
- Section 87: Ensures the right to hold union meetings without disrupting normal company operations.
- Section 88: Prohibits intimidation or threats against workers who do not participate in union activities, treating such actions as serious offenses.
- Section 97: Forbids strikes in more than 25% of essential services.
Judge Liliana Rodríguez Fernández stated that these sections would be valid if they underwent the regular legislative process in the Argentine Congress.
Meanwhile, the ruling came on a day marked by protests across Argentina.
The General Confederation of Labor (CGT), one of the country’s largest union centers, called for demonstrations against Milei’s proposals.
In addition, the Argentine government reported that around 40,000 people participated in Buenos Aires during the general strike on Wednesday.
However, the CGT claimed that the numbers were much higher, with 600,000 protesters in the capital and a national turnout of 1.5 million people.
In short, argentinians protested against Milei’s “Omnibus Law” and the DNU, aimed at economic reform, starting at noon.
Social media images showed large crowds in the streets of Buenos Aires, near the Congress and the Plaza de Mayo, with attempts to block 9 de Julio Avenue.