Argentina provincial courts overturn municipal union rights and pension cap limits

A first‑instance court in Alta Gracia, Córdoba, ordered the municipal government to recognize the rights of the public‑sector union ATE, to cease anti‑union practices, to acknowledge elected delegates, to guarantee freedom of association, to retain union dues and to pay a fine for non‑compliance. The municipal executive announced it will appeal the decision, potentially taking the case to higher provincial and national courts.

The Supreme Court of Santa Fe declared unconstitutional the provincial pension reform that capped the highest retirement benefits at the equivalent of 20 minimum wages (about 13 million pesos per month). Provincial Social Security Secretary Jorge Boasso condemned the ruling, accusing the judges of personal interest, while the court noted that the national Supreme Court has already ruled the cap invalid. The provincial executive plans to file a federal complaint, and the judges defended their decision as upholding justice.

Both rulings are expected to generate further legal challenges and political debate within the affected provinces.