Argentina's Main Labor Union Calls for General Strike During Labor Reform Debate

The CGT, Argentina's largest labor federation, announced a general strike without mobilization on the day the labor reform bill is debated in Congress.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT), Argentina's main labor union federation, announced on Monday that it will call a general strike without mobilization on the day the labor reform bill is debated in Congress. The CGT said the strike is in protest of the proposed labor reforms, which unions claim will weaken worker protections.

Why it matters

The proposed labor reforms are a major political issue in Argentina, with unions strongly opposing the changes which they say will erode hard-won worker rights. The CGT's call for a general strike is a significant escalation of labor unrest and could disrupt the country if the reforms advance in Congress.

The details

The CGT, which represents millions of Argentine workers, said the 24-hour general strike will take place on the day the labor reform bill is debated in Congress. The union federation claims the proposed reforms would weaken job security, reduce severance pay, and make it easier for companies to hire and fire workers.

  • The CGT announced the general strike on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT)

Argentina's main labor union federation, representing millions of workers.

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What’s next

The labor reform bill is expected to be debated in the Argentine Congress in the coming weeks, setting the stage for a potential showdown between the government and the powerful CGT union federation.

The takeaway

The CGT's call for a general strike highlights the deep divisions in Argentina over the proposed labor reforms, which unions view as a major threat to worker protections. The outcome of this debate could have significant political and economic implications for the country.