Argentine commerce employees to receive 1.5% raise and $120,000 bonus in May 2026

Employees in Argentina's commerce sector are set to see a tangible boost in their May 2026 earnings, thanks to the latest parity agreement between the trade union and employers. This development brings a welcome 1.5% salary increment across all categories, coupled with a significant extraordinary bonus of $120,000. This bonus is structured as a $100,000 fixed sum, which has been progressively distributed in prior months, and an additional $20,000.

The broader agreement outlines a quarterly increase of 5%, implemented in stages: a 2% raise in April, followed by the 1.5% in May, and another 1.5% in June. The Federation of Argentine Commercial and Services Employees (Faecys) has provided a detailed official salary grid for May, specifying the earnings for each role within the commerce sector. These figures incorporate non-remunerative sums, ensuring a comprehensive view of employee compensation. It is important to note that these figures do not include the additional percentage for seniority, which grants employees an extra 1% for each year of service, applied to both remunerative and non-remunerative components of their pay.

While these national agreements set a baseline, it's acknowledged that salary negotiations within specific regions, such as the City of Río Grande in Tierra del Fuego Province, may result in different outcomes. The agreement also includes a commitment from both parties to reconvene in June 2026 to review and potentially adjust the base salary scales and percentages based on prevailing economic conditions. This forward-looking clause demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring that wages remain aligned with the economic realities faced by commerce workers across Argentina.