Argentine labor unions challenge new minimum wage resolution

The labor organizations CTA de las y los Trabajadores and CTA Autónoma have formally challenged Resolution 4/2026, which established the new Minimum, Vital, and Mobile Wage (SMVM) in Argentina. In a legal notice sent to Minister of Human Capital Sandra Petovello, the unions declared the resolution “nula de nulidad absoluta e insanable” (null and void), alleging that the government failed to follow the procedures established by Law 24.013 and did not provide adequate justification for the increase.

The unions highlighted a significant gap between wage growth and inflation. They noted that as of August 2026, the annual inflation rate reached 33.3%, while the minimum wage had only increased by 16.96% over the same period. This disparity, they argue, places the minimum wage below the Total Basic Basket (Canasta Básica Total), severely impacting low-income workers.

The CTA organizations are demanding that the government convene the National Council of Employment, Productivity, and Minimum Wage for in-person negotiations within 48 hours. They have warned that if their demands for a transparent and participatory debate are not met, they will pursue administrative and judicial actions, as well as appeals to national and international organizations.