Argentina's striking workers clash with police over Milei labor reforms
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 20, 2026
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Argentina's workers clashed with police during a nationwide strike against President Javier Milei's controversial labor reforms. The 24-hour general strike brought widespread disruption, with shops, supermarkets, and transportation systems shutting down. Flights were canceled, garbage piled up in cities, and protesters blocked key roads into Buenos Aires, leading to clashes with law enforcement. Thousands gathered outside parliament, where tensions escalated into violent confrontations, resulting in arrests and the use of non-lethal force by police.
The strike, the fourth under Milei's presidency, saw high levels of participation, with unions reporting near-total compliance in some sectors. The proposed labor reforms aim to make it easier for employers to hire and fire workers, reduce severance pay, limit strike rights, increase work hours, and restrict holiday benefits. These changes, approved by the senate and awaiting approval by the Chamber of Deputies, have drawn fierce opposition from unions, who argue they undermine job security in a country already grappling with high unemployment.
Milei's austerity measures have been criticized for accelerating Argentina's economic downturn, with over 21,000 companies closing since his government took office. Unions claim more than 300,000 jobs have been lost, and recent strikes highlight growing frustration among workers. The labor reforms are particularly contentious as they come amid rising public anger over job losses and economic instability.
The strike also reflects broader tensions between Milei's pro-austerity policies and the demands of organized labor. Union leaders argue that informal employment is already widespread in Argentina, with nearly 40% of workers lacking formal contracts. They warn that the reforms will further erode workers' rights and push more people into precarious employment. Meanwhile, the government maintains that the changes will reduce under-the-table employment and stimulate job creation.
The situation in Argentina underscores global concerns about labor rights and economic inequality. As protests continue to disrupt daily life, the outcome of these reforms could set a precedent for similar policies elsewhere. For readers interested in global politics and labor rights, this story highlights the
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/20/2026