Argentina labor unrest escalates as unions confront Milei reforms

The Argentine government under President Javier Milei released a documentary titled “Los Héroes del Garrahan” that portrays hospital staff as heroes and claims the 40 strikes did not disrupt patient care. Unions, including ATE representatives, criticized the film for excluding frontline workers and using it to advance an anti‑union narrative, holding a press conference to denounce the production.

At the same time, the Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT) warned that the recent labor‑reform decree 407/2026 weakens collective bargaining, reduces union financing and breaches international labour standards. Citing the closure of more than 24,000 firms and the loss of around 300,000 jobs since Milei took office, the CGT said a nationwide general strike remains a possible response. Union leaders also raised their concerns at the International Labour Organization conference in Geneva.