Milei’s State Worker Exam Yields Impressive 96% Pass Rate 5

State workers in Argentina are demonstrating remarkable performance in a new suitability assessment examination introduced by President Javier Milei’s administration. With 96% of the initial candidates passing, the results have sparked demands from unions for the regularization of temporary contracts into permanent positions.

Key Takeaways

• 96% of evaluated state workers passed the new exam.
• The exam is part of a broader initiative to assess public administration employees.
• The ATE union is advocating for the permanent employment of those on temporary contracts.

Overview of the Examination

The examination, which began this month, is a requirement for public employees whose contracts are up for renewal. It was implemented under the Deregulation & State Transformation Ministry, led by Federico Sturzenegger, a close ally of President Milei. The test evaluates employees on their reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and knowledge of public administration.

So far, 4,156 employees have been assessed, with 4,002 passing the exam. This represents just over 10% of the total 40,000 public employees expected to be evaluated this month.

Union Response

Rodolfo Aguiar, the national secretary-general of the ATE union, expressed satisfaction with the results, stating that the high pass rate contradicts the government’s narrative about public sector inefficiency. He emphasized that the workers should be granted their constitutional right to job stability and called for the regularization of temporary contracts.

Aguiar criticized the government’s approach, suggesting that the real incompetence lies with the officials rather than the workers. He also proposed that government officials, including cabinet ministers, should undergo similar evaluations to demonstrate their capabilities.

Impact on Employment

Despite the high pass rate, passing the exam does not guarantee reemployment. It is merely a prerequisite for those wishing to remain in their positions, as they must present a “certificate of suitability.” The government has already reduced the state payroll by over 30,000 jobs this year, affecting various sectors, including central administration and public services.

Future Considerations

The ATE union is pushing for a mechanism that allows for ongoing evaluations of government officials, aiming to expose any managerial incompetence. Aguiar’s call for accountability reflects a growing sentiment among public workers who feel their job security is at stake.

As the evaluation process continues, the results may influence future policies regarding public employment and the treatment of state workers in Argentina. The union’s demands for permanent positions could lead to significant changes in the landscape of public sector employment in the country.