UATRE warns 120,000 rural jobs are at risk in Argentina

The Argentine Union of Rural Workers and Stevedores (UATRE) has warned that 120,000 rural jobs are at risk following the expiration of a decree that allowed compatibility between temporary rural work and social welfare programs.

Decree 514/2021, which enabled workers to access registered employment during agricultural campaigns without losing their social protection safety nets, expired on September 1. UATRE Secretary General José Voytenco had requested an urgent extension from the Minister of Human Capital, Sandra Pettovello, in August, but the national government has not yet responded or extended the measure.

The union stated that the lack of continuity discourages formal employment and negatively impacts regional economies and the agricultural production chain. They argued that social policies should facilitate the transition to formal work rather than acting as a barrier to registered employment.