Judicial workers protest in Buenos Aires over labour reform bill amid nationwide backlash

"Unions and social organisations took to the streets of Buenos Aires to protest against the labour reform promoted by the Government of Argentina, in support of workers who occupied the Labour Court headquarters last Monday. Footage recorded this Tuesday in Buenos Aires shows the march toward the Palacio de Tribunales, where protesters gathered to express their rejection of the official project, which foresees the gradual transfer of labour court functions to the jurisdiction of the city. "This reform aims for that, for workers to be things. It is a return to slavery. It is a return to no one being able to plan a life for themselves and their family," said Julio Piumato, Secretary General of Union of Judicial Employees of the Nation (UEJN). The core of the conflict revolves around Article 91 of the reform project, which establishes the possibility of transferring competencies of the National Labour Justice to the City of Buenos Aires. According to workers, this measure could lead to the gradual suspension of national courts and a change in the allocation of responsibilities, affecting the organisation of the judicial system. "The National Labour Justice was created precisely to balance such an unequal relationship between capital and labour in labour matters," explained Julio Piumato, warning about the risks of eliminating a fundamental court. "It is the first time in Argentine history that a court is eliminated. That is why we are demonstrating here," he added. He also stated that judicial workers will continue with the plan of action if the initiative moves forward. The march was joined by the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), which reaffirmed its commitment to defending workers' rights. The protest was carried out without violent incidents. "