Minimum Working Conditions
Employees are entitled to a minimum wage that is adjusted from time to time. As from March 2026, the minimum mandatory wage is AR $875352,400, currently equal to US $250.
However, the minimum wage is higher for employees under collective bargaining agreements, who are also granted periodic salary increases agreed upon by unions and chambers of industry and commerce. Part-time workers and internships can be paid a lower salary, provided that they comply with the legal requirements set forth for those relationships.
Employees are entitled to mandatory health coverage and a pension plan (funded through mandatory social security contributions by both employer and employee), paid vacations, 13th salary and maximum working hours. They are also entitled to paid sick leave. There are other compulsory leaves of absence on the grounds of childbirth, marriage, mourning or educational examinations. Applicable collective bargaining agreements also provide additional paid leaves.
Salary
A minimum wage has been established and is adjusted at intervals. However, said minimum wage is generally exceeded by the basic salaries established in the collective bargaining agreements. Collective bargaining agreements are negotiated by unions with the chambers that represent employers of each industry. The provisions of a particular collective bargaining agreement are mandatory by law and regulated by law. A particular collective bargaining agreement is applicable to all employees working in activities such as industrial, commerce, health and other sectors. In general, employees who work as managers, supervisors or in other hierarchy positions are excluded from the legal framework of the collective bargaining agreement. The consent of the employee is not necessary, since they are automatically included in the collective bargaining agreement just for working in a company under a particular agreement. Collective bargaining agreements usually provide benefits to employees on top of what is provided for under Argentine labour and employment laws. Salary may be paid in foreign currency, and must be paid exclusively via bank transfer to an account in the employee’s name.
Maximum Working Week
The normal working hours for employees and workers are limited to 8 per day or 48 per week. Night shift and unhealthy work provide reduced working hours.
Overtime
Employer and employee may agree to replace overtime pay with compensatory schemes such as time banks or compensatory days off. In the event that the parties do not agree on any particular scheme, overtime is paid at a rate of 50% of the normal pay, unless it is worked on Saturdays after 1 P.M., Sundays and holidays, in which case it is paid at a rate of 100% of the normal pay. Applicable collective bargaining agreements may provide higher payments. Overtime must not exceed 3 hours per day, 30 hours a month and 200 hours a year. All employees are entitled to overtime pay, except corporate directors or corporate managers, registered as such before the Office of Corporations (Register of Commerce).
Employer’s Obligation to Provide a Healthy and Safe Workplace
Employers are obliged to grant mandatory life insurance and working accident insurance to employees. Employers are also obliged to provide a healthy and safe workplace (both physical and psychological), in compliance with the labour authorities’ instructions, as well as the working insurance instructions. Employers in certain industries, must provide employees with work clothes, working tools and protection equipment, and must have preventative measures in place to prevent accidents and perform regular medical examinations.
Complaint Procedures
Employees may file a petition before the union and/or the labour authorities complaining about the breach of health and safety obligations by employer. The labour authorities may inspect the workplace at any time and order the employer to remedy any breach and impose fines.
