Chilean official warns labor reform could violate ILO standards used for US tariffs

Alejandra Krauss, Secretary-General of Chile's Christian Democrat party and former Minister of Labor, has voiced concerns that the government's proposed labor reform might contradict international standards. Her warning comes amid controversy over U.S. tariffs imposed on Chilean products.

Krauss explained that the U.S. justified its tariffs by citing criteria established by the International Labour Organization (ILO) concerning forced labor. She pointed out that the Chilean government's own legislative agenda could potentially conflict with these same ILO standards.

Highlighting the potential for contradiction, Krauss specifically addressed the issue of excessive overtime. "Excessive overtime is also considered forced labor," she stated, suggesting that the proposed labor reform, if enacted without careful consideration of ILO guidelines, could inadvertently lead to such violations. She contrasted the current government's approach with previous administrations, noting that in the governments of Ricardo Lagos and Michelle Bachelet, "the President always leads to set a position."