The government reduced the number of public sector employees by 7 percent in the year leading up to February, according to a March 31 report from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (Indec). The total number of state workers now stands at 276,952.
This reduction is most noticeable in central administration and state-owned companies, where thousands have left their positions within twelve months. Supporters of the measure describe it as an effort toward greater efficiency.
The Indec report details that employment in public administration fell by 7.1 percent, leaving that sector with 188,242 employees. In state-owned companies and corporations, staffing dropped by 6.7 percent. Between January and February alone, there was a further decrease of 0.6 percent in overall numbers.
However, some gaps remain in official reporting. Of the 123 entities required to provide personnel data for this review period, fourteen—including ten state-owned enterprises—did not submit their information. This lack of transparency affects approximately 14,000 individuals whose employment status is currently unreported.
Observers note that these incomplete figures mean actual reductions could be higher once all records are updated.
