Marval O’Farrell Mairal Hosts Forum on Argentine Labor Reform

Marval | Human resources specialists and executives from major companies operating in Argentina gathered at Marval O’Farrell Mairal’s auditorium to discuss the recently enacted labor reform. Participants highlighted the new legislation as a key instrument for providing legal certainty and aligning regulations with current business realities.

Gustavo Giay, Chairman of Marval O’Farrell Mairal, opened the event, attended by over 200 professionals, by stating that the reform has improved the country’s business climate and that its success depends on effective implementation. Enrique Stile, a labor law partner at the firm, characterized the reform as an unprecedented modernization of the country’s employment regulations.

In a panel discussion, Marval partners Diego Kelly, Rodrigo Solá Torino, and Guillermo Osorio analyzed the reform’s impact. Osorio noted that while potential legal challenges may eventually reach the Supreme Court, the current environment is more favorable for business decision-making. Kelly emphasized that the law creates tools to improve labor relations, while Solá Torino argued that the reform represents a turning point, noting that it protects employees while ending the punitive system that previously penalized compliant companies.

The forum also addressed platform economies. Nicolás Debernardi (Pedidos Ya) and Laura Gimenez (UIA) discussed the regulatory consensus reached regarding platform work. Debernardi emphasized that the law provides sector stability, while Gimenez highlighted the need for independent platform workers to access social security.

Furthermore, speakers examined the transfer of labor jurisdiction to the City of Buenos Aires and the procedural reform. Karina Palacios, Director of Competency Transfers for the City, described the process as a historic opportunity, facilitated by a new, dynamic Labor Procedural Code. Mara Bettiol, President of UART, noted that despite a 80% reduction in workplace accidents since the enactment of the ART Law, increased litigation remains a concern. She expressed optimism that the jurisdictional transfer will lead to improved judicial compliance.

Finally, the panel on 2026 Compensation trends featured Ivana Thornton (Mercer) and Verónica Hayden (GeoPark), who discussed the challenges of wage adjustments amidst inflation and the necessity of adapting talent management to technological shifts. Both agreed that the new legislation supports corporate goals regarding competitiveness, sustainability, and employee well-being.

marval.com