Argentina’s maritime labor unions are striking against a proposed labor law that threatens to eliminate overtime pay, curtail the right to strike, and limit unions’ organizing capabilities. The legislation aims to remove seafarers from the Employment Contract Act, placing them under commercial law instead. The Maritime and River Trade Union Federation emphasized that this strike is a defense of national labor rights and safety, asserting, “The merchant marine cannot be excluded from the legal framework that protects Argentine workers.”
The proposed law is part of Prime Minister Javier Milei’s libertarian economic overhaul and has already passed the senate. If enacted, it would favor employers by permitting workdays of up to 12 hours without overtime pay, replacing it with straight-time compensation and “banked” time off. Additionally, employers would face reduced contributions to social security and other benefits, further undermining workers’ rights.
The legislation would significantly restrict union activities, especially in critical services like maritime operations. Unions would be compelled to maintain 50% operational capacity during strikes, effectively limiting their ability to protest. Furthermore, contracts would automatically expire after negotiations, weakening unions’ bargaining power and allowing local agreements to override national ones.
Seafarers would face additional rights reductions, losing protections afforded to shoreside workers. The maritime union confederation has initiated a port operation shutdown, halting pilot launches and tugs from Wednesday until Thursday, while ensuring emergency services remain operational.
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