Argentine labor unions criticize economic impact on workers and retirees

Labor leaders from the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) in Argentina have raised alarms regarding the country's economic direction and the impact of current austerity measures on workers and retirees.

During a federal forum on social security, CGT officials reported that the minimum pension covers only approximately 30.4 percent of the basic food basket required for retirees. Hugo Benítez, the CGT Secretary of Social Security, stated that retirees are currently victims of policies that isolate them and violate their rights, noting that 56 percent of the 2024 economic adjustment was borne by retirees and state workers.

Claudio Girardi, Secretary General of the CGT Santa Fe, criticized the economic policies of the Javier Milei administration, arguing that the current level of adjustment has caused significant deterioration in purchasing power. Girardi noted that no Argentine worker, whether in the public or private sector, is better off today than they were three years ago, describing the current economic landscape as one where there are few winners and many losers.