Government rejects in-person Wage Council meeting to avoid street protests

Argentina's Ministry of Labor has refused a request from labor unions to convene the upcoming Wage Council meeting in person. The meeting, scheduled for Friday, is crucial for setting the minimum wage, a process mandated by law.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the council, comprising employer and union representatives, has conducted its sessions virtually. Sources within the government and unions suggest that the Ministry of Labor, headed by Julio Cordero, opted to maintain the virtual format to prevent potential protests by union members at the ministry's headquarters.

Past in-person meetings have been marked by tense confrontations, often resulting in the presidential office needing to issue decrees to finalize wage increases. The ministry's decision to keep the meeting virtual, though not yet officially communicated to all parties, has already cast doubt on the participation of some CGT representatives.

Labor Ministry sources defended the virtual format, citing its "greater institutional transparency in formal administrative acts." This move comes as Cordero navigates complex relationships with unions, particularly after recent discussions on labor reform. Tensions also extend to business sectors, reflecting broader rhetoric from the government, including President Javier Milei and Economy Minister Luis Caputo, towards the business community.