Senate preliminary approves ART bill reform

The Upper House of Congress preliminary approved the reform of the ART risk insurance law, with 41 votes in favour and 19 against. The bill will br sent for debate to the Lower House.

Opposition lawmakers voted agains the bill because they consider it is detrimental to workers rights, as it bans them from going to court while simultaneously making a claim to the labour risk insurance company.

Radical senator Eugenio Nito Artaza said that “this is a step back in workers’ rights, who will have to choose between making a claim to the ART or to go to court.”

Victory Front senator Aníbal Fernández defended the bill and assured that “the main aspect is that workers will be able to receive their compensation payment immediately.”

Senators also approved unanimously the bill that sets tougher sentences on "femicide" (the murder of women by a current or former spouse or partner), which will be sent back to the Lower House for its definite sanction.