TUAC has today published a critical assessment of Argentina’s bid for OECD membership, raising serious concerns about the government’s recent attacks on workers’ rights and social dialogue.
Based on extensive consultation with Argentinian trade unions, the report reveals a worrying pattern: even as Argentina seeks to join the OECD, its government is actively undermining the core principles of fundamental labour rights and social dialogue that OECD accession would require.
The government's recent decree against trade unions is deeply concerning. By attempting to criminalise legitimate union activities, eliminate rights to assembly and strike, and remove protections for workers, they're moving away from, not towards, OECD standards,
The report lays bare serious institutional weaknesses. Despite legal recognition of collective bargaining rights, the Argentinian Government has repeatedly delayed validating collective bargaining agreements and imposed unilateral wage ceilings. The downgrading of the Ministry of Labour and shutdown of the National Ministry of Women, Gender and Diversity signal a clear retreat from social dialogue and equality at work. Meanwhile, around half of all workers are in informal work, and the gender wage gap persists at 21% – figures likely to worsen given these recent policy changes.
Argentina has the foundations for effective social dialogue, including the National Wage Council and frameworks for collective bargaining. But these institutions are being bypassed rather than strengthened,
TUAC’s position is clear: Any path to OECD membership must begin with guarantees for freedom of association and collective bargaining rights. The National Wage Council must be strengthened, and Argentina must develop effective policies to address informal work and ensure social protection coverage. The report also highlights the urgent need to reform the National Contact Point – the body responsible for handling complaints about multinational enterprises – which is poorly functioning and has recently been transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with minimal consultation.
As OECD committees evaluate Argentina’s candidacy, TUAC calls for concrete commitments to protect workers’ rights and restore meaningful social dialogue. Argentina’s route to OECD membership must include genuine acceptance of OECD Guidelines, respect for collective bargaining, and recognition of trade unions as key economic partners.
Read TUAC’s full assessment here.
Image credit: OECD
