The national government will meet on Wednesday with representatives of unions and business chambers, within the framework of the National Council for Employment, Productivity and Vital and Mobile Minimum Wages, to determine a new increase in the minimum wage and unemployment benefits.
In November, the minimum assets remained unchanged for the fourth month in a row at $322,200 per month, as the government has not announced any official increase since last August, when the updates set out in Resolution 25/2025 expired.
What is the minimum wage in Argentina and how much do unions demand?
Since last August, SMVyM has been set at $322,200 per month for those who work a full 48 hours a week, while the hourly value for day workers is $1,610.
The minimum wage values this year were as follows:
- January: $286,711
- February: $292,446
- March: $296,832
- April: $302,600
- May: $308,200
- June: $313,400
- July: $317,800
- August: $322,200
since then, September and October remain the same valueWaiting for the new official update that will arrive after the November 26 meeting They will demand that the SMVM equalize the Basic Food Basket (CBA), which was set in October at $572,488, with a monthly update in line with inflation. Meanwhile, businessmen, like the government, argue that the amount should be adjusted according to inflation between September and November.
How does the minimum wage affect ANSES benefits?
he SMVM value It has a direct impact on multiple Social benefits managed by Anaslike Unemployment benefit and Family allowances.
As of the October update:
- Minimum retirement: $396,304.88 (includes $70,000 bonus).
- Boom: $331,016.96 with enhancement.
- Non-contributory pensions: $298,381.85 with Exceptional Bonus.
- AUH (Universal Child Allowance): Total $117,252, with a direct payment of $93,801.60 after a 20% cut.
- AUH per child with disability: Total $381,791, with direct payment of $305,432.80.
- Family allowance per child: $58,572.85.
- Allowances for a disabled child: $190,714.27.
At the same time, Unemployment benefit falls between $161,000 and $322,000equivalent 50% and 100% of the minimum wage respectively.
The minimum wage and its impact on the formal economy
In addition to its function as basic income, SMVM Affects identification Food rations, Labor hire, Social plans and Salary adjustments From the public and private sectors. By setting the legal minimum amount, the state ensures A Social protection floor For registered workers and for those receiving associated benefits.
he National Employment Council It plays a key role in this case, as its decisions affect millions of workers and beneficiaries. Each adjustment seeks to reflect the balance between the macroeconomic situation, inflation and the level of formal employment.
Argentina, among the countries with the lowest minimum wages in Latin America
Argentina has the lowest salaries in Latin America The real minimum wage fell to a level lower than its counterpart in 2001According to a recent report by the Latin American Strategic Center for Geopolitics (CELAG).
Argentina’s minimum wage, updated as of November 2025, is just $225, making it the lowest in the region, even lower than countries like Bolivia and Paraguay. Costa Rica, for its part, tops the rankings with $729.
A study by UBA’s School of Economics complements the local landscape, noting that between November 2023 and September 2025, the Living and Mobile Minimum Wage (SMVM) saw a loss of 34% of its purchasing power. The decline was sudden and immediate: a 15% decline in December 2023, followed by another 17% decline in January 2024. By September 2025, the real minimum wage was below the threshold of 2001, before the convertibility crisis.
Silage adds that two-thirds of the population lives with below-average income, and that 77% of families cannot exceed 800,000 pesos per capita.
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