Cyclists pass by one of the entrances of a closed train station, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Feb. 19, 2026. Argentina's main labor unions started a nationwide 24-hour strike on Thursday in protest against a labor reform bill under debate in the Chamber of Deputies, after it was approved by the Senate on Feb. 12. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)

BUENOS AIRES, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Argentina's main labor unions started a nationwide 24-hour strike on Thursday in protest against a labor reform bill under debate in the Chamber of Deputies, after it was approved by the Senate on Feb. 12.

The strike, led by the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) and joined by transport, commercial, public sector and aviation unions, began at midnight local time.

Aerolineas Argentinas announced the cancellation of 255 flights, affecting some 31,000 passengers.

Labor unions argue that the proposed labor modernization bill is regressive and will undermine workers' rights and increase job insecurity. Key concerns include potential changes to severance pay calculations and new rules for salary payments during medical leave.

The strike marks the fourth national strike organized by the CGT against the government of Argentine President Javier Milei since he took office in December 2023. ■

Photo shows the interior of a closed train station, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Feb. 19, 2026. Argentina's main labor unions started a nationwide 24-hour strike on Thursday in protest against a labor reform bill under debate in the Chamber of Deputies, after it was approved by the Senate on Feb. 12. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)

A screen displays canceled flights in Jorge Newbery airport, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Feb. 19, 2026. Argentina's main labor unions started a nationwide 24-hour strike on Thursday in protest against a labor reform bill under debate in the Chamber of Deputies, after it was approved by the Senate on Feb. 12. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)