Trade unions in Argentina staged a general strike on Thursday to protest proposed labour market reforms by libertarian President Javier Milei.
Trains and metro services were suspended, while national carrier Aerolíneas Argentinas cancelled 255 flights. Banks remained closed and numerous public sector and retail workers stopped work.
Lawmakers in the lower house were due to debate the reforms on Thursday. The draft legislation includes longer maximum working hours per day, reduced severance pay for dismissals and restrictions on the right to strike in certain sectors.
The government argues the overhaul is necessary to liberalize the labour market and attract more foreign investment. Unions say the measures would erode workers’ rights.
Since taking office, Milei, a self-described anarcho-capitalist, has imposed a radical reform programme on South America’s second-largest economy.
He has cut subsidies for gas, electricity and public transport, laid off thousands of civil servants and halted public infrastructure projects.
The measures have helped balance the state budget and significantly reduce inflation.
However, economic activity remains sluggish. Output has declined in many sectors, and numerous small and medium-sized businesses have shut down.
Around 40% of the workforce is employed informally, paying neither taxes nor social security contributions.