Argentina accelerates labor reform, demanding renegotiation of 446 collective agreements

The Argentine government, through the Ministry of Human Capital, moved to implement its labour reform by ordering the renegotiation of 446 collective agreements that lack a defined expiry date, citing a decree that deems them void after December 31, 2026. The deadline to start talks is set for June 29, a schedule officials admit is practically impossible, with the Ministry of Labour lacking the staff to hold the required daily meetings. The reform ends the ultra‑activity principle for obligatory clauses, shifting power away from unions and allowing company‑level unions with just 5% representation.

Early applications of the new rules include a “bank of hours” scheme at Ontec’s Baradero plant, agreed with the Smata union for 190 workers, and a rotative suspension plan at Flybondi with 70% pay during fleet disruptions. Union leaders criticize the changes as a direct attack on collective bargaining and have appealed to the International Labour Organization, warning that the reforms could erode workers’ rights.

Key statements: a union official said, “no hay ni infraestructura ni personal suficiente para semejante operativo,” while a Smata representative described the hour‑bank as “a tool in case of emergency.”