Striking Argentine workers clash with police in protest over labor reforms

Argentine workers protest labor reforms, clashing with police as widespread strikes disrupt Buenos Aires amid economic turmoil.

Shops and supermarkets closed, flights were cancelled and garbage piled up Thursday (February 19, 2026) as Argentine workers staged their fourth general strike of President Javier Milei's term, some clashing with police.

The few buses running in Buenos Aires were nowhere near full, although car traffic was unusually heavy as many workers observed the 24-hour strike against a contentious labor reform.

Dozens of flights were cancelled and train stations were left deserted with only a handful of buses running, AFP observed.

On roads leading into the capital, small groups of protesters blocked traffic.

Later in the day, several thousand demonstrators gathered outside parliament, where a few dozen participants engaged in running battles with police, throwing bottles and stones.

Officers replied with tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets to clear the area.