Argentina's Buenos Aires Province resumes public‑sector wage talks amid inflation

The government of Buenos Aires Province, led by Governor Axel Kicillof, called unions representing provincial public employees to restart formal salary‑increase negotiations on Thursday, the same day the national inflation index for May will be published. The talks must produce a proposal before the next Monday so that any agreed raise can be reflected in June salaries and the mid‑year bonus (aguinaldo). Union leaders hope the new round will restore purchasing power, secure permanent positions and improve working conditions. "Vamos con la expectativa de recuperar el poder adquisitivo…", said ATE secretary general Claudio Arévalo.

At the same time, the provincial consumer‑defense association reported that families are using most of their mid‑year aguinaldo to service debts. "Hoy prácticamente el 80% del aguinaldo se destina al pago de deudas," explained Javier Alexandro of ADECSE, highlighting high household indebtedness and the lack of salary adjustments that keep pace with inflation. The remaining portion of the bonus is split between essential consumption, savings and occasional investments such as vehicle repairs or purchases for gig work.