La Rioja domestic workers face rising labor informality

The Sindicato de Amas de Casa de la República Argentina (SACRA) has warned of a critical rise in labor informality among domestic workers in La Rioja. According to Andrea Cruz, the provincial leader of SACRA, four out of every five workers who previously held formal employment have transitioned to working ‘in black’ (unregistered) or as independent contractors (monotributistas).

Cruz described this shift as a ‘disguised legalization’ that strips workers of essential rights, including pension contributions and social security coverage. The union reports that informality now affects approximately 80% of the sector.

Economic pressures are cited as a primary driver. The national minimum wage for the sector is approximately 436,000 pesos, which represents only about 60% of the provincial average salary in La Rioja. Consequently, many families are reducing registered hours or ceasing formal registration entirely to manage costs, forcing employees to pay out-of-pocket to maintain healthcare coverage.