Protesters clash with police during protest against labor reform in Argentina

Women run through tear gas during a protest in front of the Argentine Senate, on February 11, 2026 REUTERS/Cristina Sille Protesters and police clashed in Argentina during a protest against the progress of a labor reform proposed by the government, this Wednesday (11). According to local press, at least three security officers were injured and two people were arrested. The Senate began debating the labor reform proposal this Wednesday. The project makes contracts more flexible, reduces compensation, facilitates dismissals and limits rights, among other changes. Unions and political groups linked to the left organized a demonstration against the text. The area around the Legislative Palace was heavily policed. According to the Clarín newspaper, tensions began around 3 pm, when police tried to confiscate flags from left-wing activists. The agents also used pepper spray. Later, there was another confrontation near Congress Square. Protesters threw stones, bottles and other objects at police officers. Clarín also recorded the preparation of Molotov cocktails. According to the local press, the police once again used pepper spray and deployed a truck with a water cannon. Protesters tore down a fence. Security forces also fired rubber bullets. Labor reform The government claims that the reform will encourage formalization in a labor market with 40% of workers in informality. The changes should also reduce costs with labor claims. The opposition and unions contest this, arguing that there will be no job creation in a scenario of economic stagnation, falling consumption and a decline in industrial production. “The real problem is the destruction of companies due to the indiscriminate opening of imports,” said Daniel Rosato, president of the Association of Small and Medium-sized Argentine Industrial Companies (IPA). According to him, 18 thousand companies have closed in the last two years. The sector demands that the reform be accompanied by incentives for industrial investment. The government negotiated around 30 changes to the original text to ensure quick approval in the Chamber of Deputies. The goal is to turn the proposal into law before March 1, when Javier Milei will open the period of ordinary Congress sessions. “Today it will be approved. It is the possible law, which will leave businesspeople satisfied and workers very satisfied. The last minute changes, agreed by midnight, will be known in the debate”, said Senator Carolina Losada, a government ally. There are, however, differences between unions. The most combative, like the oil sector workers (Aceiteros) who defend a strike. Since Milei assumed the Presidency, in December 2023, the policy of economic opening and reduction of the State has resulted in the loss of around 300 thousand formal jobs, with an impact on civil construction, industry and regional economies.

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