Argentina Faces Nationwide Strike as Milei’s Labor Reforms Advance
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — A general strike protesting Argentine President Javier Milei’s sweeping overhaul of the nation’s labor laws disrupted public transport, hospitals, ports and schools across Argentina on Thursday, February 13, 2026. The nationwide strike intensifies a standoff between the libertarian leader and long-powerful workers’ unions as the bill faces an uncertain passage through Congress.
Disruptions Across Argentina
Most bus lines and subways halted operations, factories paused production, banks closed, airlines canceled hundreds of flights, and public hospitals postponed all but emergency surgeries. Uncollected garbage accumulated in streets and shopping areas. The strike demonstrated the significant opposition to Milei’s proposed changes to Argentina’s labor laws.
Senate Approval and Congressional Debate
The strike occurred one week after Argentina’s Senate gave initial approval to the labor reform bill in a 42-30 vote according to the Associated Press. The lower house began debating the bill on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
Union Opposition and Economic Concerns
The General Confederation of Labor (CGT), Argentina’s largest trade union group, organized the strike amid growing frustration over the country’s uneven economic recovery under Milei. Whereas the government has brought some fiscal stability to a nation previously plagued by high inflation, it has struggled to address persistent unemployment, stagnant wages, and slow economic growth.
Milei’s Rationale for Reform
President Milei views the reform of Argentina’s labor laws, largely unchanged since the 1970s as reported by ColombiaOne, as crucial to attracting foreign investment, increasing productivity, and creating jobs. Approximately two in five workers in Argentina are currently employed off the books.
Union Concerns Over Worker Protections
Unions argue that the law will weaken long-standing worker protections by reducing severance pay, limiting the right to strike, easing dismissal procedures, and extending the legal workday to 12 hours from the current eight as detailed by El Ciudadano.
Political Context and U.S. Support
The fate of the labor reform marks a significant test of Milei’s political strength since his libertarian party, La Libertad Avanza, won Argentina’s midterm elections. The U.S. Treasury offered a $20 billion lifeline to Argentina ahead of the midterms to bolster market confidence and support Milei’s electoral prospects.
Milei’s Response and Ongoing Debate
While the strike unfolded, Milei was in Washington D.C. For the inaugural meeting of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace initiative. Trump publicly endorsed Milei, stating, “I endorsed him.” Even if the labor overhaul passes the lower house, it must return to the Senate next week for a final vote due to a clause concerning reduced salaries for workers on leave.
Union Strength and Peronist Influence
Roughly 40% of Argentina’s 13 million registered workers are union members, many of whom are aligned with the Peronist movement, which previously dominated Argentine politics according to the Associated Press.
Limited Demonstrations and Government Criticism
The CGT opted not to organize a large-scale demonstration, and Buenos Aires remained relatively calm. Smaller, more radical unions marched toward Congress, displaying symbols of Eva Perón. Despite most shops and offices remaining open, traffic was light due to transportation disruptions. Milei’s chief of staff, Manuel Adorni, criticized the strike as “extortionate” and “against freedom and democracy.”