Gustavo Weiss, president of the Cámara Argentina de la Construcción (CAMARCO), expressed concern Monday over the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce, stating that up to 50% of white-collar jobs could be lost within one to three years. Weiss made the remarks on Radio Mitre, while also acknowledging the necessity of the recently passed labor reform, despite characterizing it as “ancient” upon its inception.
“I am very worried not only about AI and the changes it will generate in work, but about the speed of that change. We are not deeply analyzing the consequences of that disruption,” Weiss said. He cautioned that a comprehensive assessment of AI’s effects is lacking, even as the technology rapidly advances.
While acknowledging the reform’s shortcomings, Weiss indicated support for many of its provisions. “It has changed the way work is done from 50 years ago to today. The calculation of severance payments had deviated. Progress is being made on crucial aspects, such as a job bank and vacation time,” he stated. He also noted the reform addresses outdated regulations stemming from the 1970s, reflecting a significant shift in the nature of work.
Weiss emphasized that the labor reform alone will not stimulate job creation. “The law by itself will not generate employment. Employment is generated when there is economic growth,” he said in a separate interview with Radio Con Vos, as reported by El Intransigente. He suggested the reform could provide greater predictability for businesses and help formalize the labor market, but only in the context of broader economic expansion.
The CAMARCO president also highlighted the ongoing challenges facing the construction sector, citing a 25% decline in activity since 2023, largely due to the suspension of national public works projects and a slowdown in provincial initiatives. According to Ámbito Financiero, Weiss celebrated the initial Senate approval of the labor reform, anticipating its positive effects when the country’s economy improves and begins to generate employment. He also noted that many slight and medium-sized enterprises (pymes) currently prefer to operate informally to avoid the complexities of complying with existing labor laws.
Weiss’s comments come as Argentina grapples with high levels of informality in its labor market. The reform aims to address this issue by simplifying hiring procedures and reducing the costs associated with formal employment, but its ultimate success remains contingent on sustained economic growth, a condition Weiss repeatedly stressed.
