Chief Samata says the solution to unregistered business is to fight those who sell it illegally

the Labor reform promoted by Javier Miley’s government Once again it puts a serious structural problem on the table: widespread informal employment. Given this scenario, in the program Fontificia modeOn Net TV and Radio Perville (AM 1190), the representative of the Automotive Mechanical and Transport Workers’ Union (SMATA), Mario “Paco” Manrique, warned that the solution to unregistered work involves fighting those who sell illegally, because the problem lies not only in the lack of legislation, but also in tax evasion and informality in sales and invoicing, and called for… Agreement between the state, unions and companies To formalize millions of Argentines.

Argentine trade unionist and politician Mario Roberto “Paco” Manrique, associated with the Mechanical and Automobile Workers’ Union (SMATA), was elected national deputy for the province of Buenos Aires in 2023. He joined the union in 1991 as a union delegate, then served as organizing secretary, until he became the union’s second-in-command in 2008. As a deputy and union leader, the general strongly questioned the CGT, Under the pretext that it “does not represent workers’ rights.”

The obvious question: How do you evaluate the new CGT leadership? Do you find your current leadership satisfactory, and why?

I cannot make an accurate assessment without this new leadership beginning to take on specific definitions. To evaluate new leadership without going down a path would be incorrect. but, I hope they leave a new impression To have clear positions, always directed towards the working class, to set collective goals and respond clearly to government measures affecting the social life of all Argentines. This leadership faces a very complex moment Very sensitive topics on the table.

Regarding informal work, what solution do you propose for about half of Argentine undocumented workers? What legislation should solve this problem?

This problem It is not resolved only through formal legislation. It is necessary to foster a strong economy and a strong internal market, as the middle class increases its consumer power and strengthens the economy, generating more jobs in the process. Facilities must then be granted to employers so that they can employ new workers, with temporary tax benefits during the initial phase of securing those jobs, which must be agreed through collective agreements. But the inevitable starting point is a competitive economy with export potential. I would like to conclude by saying this It is not correct to propose labor reforms aimed at reducing rights.

It is undeniable that the problem of informal employment in Argentina has multiple causes. As I mentioned, simple legislation in a low-consumption country cannot in itself generate employment. The macroeconomic condition of a strong and growing domestic market is essential. Between 2002 and 2012, with a decade of sustained growth driven by favorable economic policies, the informal employment rate remained at around 35%, lower than the current rate of 43.2% recorded in the second quarter of 2025 according to the Permanent Household Survey (EPH). Don’t you think that more effective legislation, along with growth, could contribute to reducing this gap?

Legislation should be stricter with those who employ unregistered employees and with those who do not invoice for their work. Now, harder in what sense? Because sometimes words are misunderstood. When there is full consumption and unregistered workers, what happens is tax evasion. In this case, the state fails: it must be the comptroller who prevents this situation.

I mention something raised by the President of the Mediterranean Foundation, Carlos Giordano, former Minister of Economy of Peronist Cordoba, which partly aligns with your point. “In order to have black employees, someone must first be paid a black wage, because they need undisclosed money to pay their wages,” he said. That is, the problem begins with irregular bills. If the income is empty and salaries are paid in the black, the employer will end up paying more income tax, because he will not be able to deduct those costs. Therefore, if a person sells in white and pays in black, he is hurting himself. In short, the problem is simultaneous.

Exactly, it is the famous undeclared income. Therefore, this is a scheme that must be carefully rethought. This is not about demonizing all businessmen, but rather about differentiating responsibilities. If we are to discuss tax reform, there are sectors where the tax burden should be reduced. In Argentina there are products that bear taxes of more than 50%. Next, some employers cite “labor cost” as a barrier.

For example, gross income tax: In several governorates, it is paid three times – Through production, marketing and patent registration. The car pays this tax in each case. This is a distortion that must be addressed seriously. No one is against updating the system. Updating functionality is necessary, but it must be done with balance. From Peronism, in cooperation with the trade union deputies and the Labor Committee, we are preparing our own meeting Employment modernization project. We are looking for a text that reflects on new realities, such as jobs on digital platforms, care tasks, reduced working hours and profit sharing. We do not reject changes due to inertia: rather, we propose a Comprehensive reform enhances job creation Without violating rights.

If economics is not put at the service of politics, everything becomes very difficult. In short, labor market reform or modernization cannot advance without accompanying tax modernization. They must be addressed together to promote job creation.

Exactly, if we suggest removing Fourth category of income taxso that workers stop paying taxes and the money goes back to consumption, we cannot discuss the matter from a workers’ perspective only. It must also be analyzed from a tax perspective: how is this tax loss covered? Where do the resources come from if we also want to reduce the burden on SMEs? All of this needs planning and The budget law that supports it.

Regarding work in apps, which already reaches 8% of the active population, what solution do you envision? It is a global debate, present in Spain and throughout much of Europe.

New CGT toughens against Miley and warns against labor reform: ‘If there is no dialogue, there will be street’

We are working on this point. We want to provide legal coverage for these workers, ensure their registration and pension and social work contributions, and establish the right to disconnect. Although their approach is flexible, they should have the same rights as an industrial worker or a worker outside the digital sphere. These are complex issues, because many platforms are based abroad. But the project is moving in this direction: giving them a chance A cohesive regulatory framework that respects your freedomBut protect its stability. We seek to ensure that they are able to choose their schedules within reasonable limits, maintain their online privacy, and avoid arbitrary blocking of platforms. We believe, in cooperation with the union that represents them, that we will be able to come up with a strong and balanced proposal.

M.F.