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Milei Labour Reform – Legal Challenges & CGT Opposition (2025–2026)

Labour court judge Raúl Ojeda suspended approximately 40% of Milei's labour reform articles following a CGT challenge, marking a significant legal setback for the administration's deregulatory agenda. The suspension creates legal uncertainty for employers in Argentina regarding currently enforceable employment rules. Further appeals are expected, with potential Supreme Court review.

Importance: 75%Confidence: 82%Mentions: 1Updated: April 20, 2026
## Milei Labour Reform – Legal Challenges & CGT Opposition (2025–2026) ### Overview President Javier Milei's labour reform package is facing sustained judicial and union opposition in Argentina. Labour court judge Raúl Ojeda partially suspended approximately 40% of the reform's articles following a filing by the CGT (Confederación General del Trabajo), Argentina's largest trade union federation (Buenos Aires Times, 2025). ### Scope of the Reform Milei's labour reform sought to significantly deregulate Argentina's employment framework, reportedly including changes to severance obligations, collective bargaining procedures, strike regulations, and probationary employment terms. The reform was part of the administration's broader 'Ley Bases' deregulatory agenda. ### Judicial Suspension - **Judge Raúl Ojeda** (labour court) suspended around 40% of the reform's articles, representing a substantial partial victory for the CGT (Buenos Aires Times, 2025). - The suspension is likely to be appealed by the government to higher courts, potentially reaching Argentina's Supreme Court. - The precise articles suspended have not been fully detailed in available reporting, but reportedly include provisions affecting union representation and worker protections. ### CGT's Role The CGT remains the primary institutional opponent of Milei's economic reform agenda. Its willingness to pursue judicial remedies alongside strike action signals a multi-front strategy. The organisation has standing before labour courts and has demonstrated capacity to achieve partial judicial wins even where political opposition has failed. ### Strategic Implications for Business - **Employers** operating in Argentina face legal uncertainty regarding which reform provisions are currently enforceable. - **Investors** assessing Argentine labor cost projections must account for the possibility that suspended articles will be reinstated through litigation over 12–36 months. - **Foreign companies** evaluating Argentine operations (including in Vaca Muerta and critical minerals) should obtain current legal advice on applicable labor rules before structuring workforce arrangements. ### Precedent This is not the first time Argentine courts have suspended executive reform measures. The pattern of executive reform followed by union judicial challenge and partial suspension is well-established and may repeat with other Milei reform packages, including Ley Hojarasca. ### Timeline - **2025**: CGT files legal challenge; Judge Ojeda issues partial suspension. - **Ongoing**: Government appeal expected; full Supreme Court review possible.