Best Employer Lawyers in Córdoba

About Employer Law in Córdoba, Argentina

Employer or employment law in Córdoba, Argentina is primarily shaped by national legislation together with collective bargaining agreements and some provincial or municipal rules. The Ley de Contrato de Trabajo - the national employment contract law - provides the basic framework for hiring, wages, working time, paid leave, dismissals, social security contributions and employer obligations. In practice, collective bargaining agreements - convenios colectivos de trabajo - negotiated by unions and employer associations often add industry-specific rules and higher standards. Provincial and municipal authorities in Córdoba also administer enforcement mechanisms, mediation and inspections that apply locally.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Employment relationships often involve urgent rights and financial consequences. You may need a lawyer if you are facing any of the following situations:

• Dismissal - to determine whether a termination was lawful, calculate severance and advise on options to challenge unjustified dismissal.
• Unpaid wages, overtime or benefits - to recover unpaid salary, bonuses, or vacation pay and to obtain official enforcement.
• Workplace harassment or discrimination - to protect your rights and start administrative or judicial complaints.
• Disagreement over classification - employee versus independent contractor status, which affects social security, taxes and protections.
• Collective disputes - when a union claim, strike or collective bargaining issue arises.
• Occupational accidents and illness - to claim compensation through ART and, if needed, pursue employer liability.
• Compliance and audits - employers facing inspections by labor authorities, tax audits or ART reviews may need legal advice to manage risks and correct deficiencies.
• Drafting or reviewing contracts and policies - to ensure employment agreements, confidentiality clauses, non-competes and handbooks comply with law and local practice.
• Hiring foreign workers - to comply with immigration, tax and labor obligations.
• Severance negotiations and mediation - to reach a fair settlement through conciliation or court processes.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal and practical aspects to know when dealing with employer matters in Córdoba include:

• National framework - The Ley de Contrato de Trabajo (LCT) and other national statutes set core rights and duties. Provincial offices implement and mediate many disputes, so local practice matters.
• Collective bargaining - Convenios colectivos de trabajo established by sectoral unions frequently determine wages, shifts, overtime rates and additional benefits. Always check the applicable CCT for your industry.
• Employment relationship - The legal test for being an employee focuses on subordination, habitual remuneration and dependency. Misclassification as an independent contractor can create liabilities for unpaid social contributions and taxes.
• Registration and payroll obligations - Employers must register employees with social security and tax authorities, withhold contributions and keep payroll records and payslips. Unregistered work - empleo en negro - exposes employers to penalties and gives workers additional remedies.
• Remuneration and minimum standards - National minimum wage and sectoral minimums apply. Payslips must detail components of pay and deductions.
• Working time and overtime - Standard working hours, rest periods and overtime rules are regulated by law and by applicable collective agreements. Overtime is normally payable at higher rates.
• Leave and social protections - Paid vacation rights increase with seniority, and national rules govern maternity, paternity and sick leave. Social security benefits are handled through ANSES and other schemes.
• Termination and severance - Dismissal without just cause typically triggers severance payments, notice or pay in lieu, and compensation for accrued benefits. Procedures and calculation methods can be complex and depend on the employment record and applicable CCTs.
• Occupational health and safety - Employers must register with an ART and comply with prevention and reporting obligations for workplace accidents and occupational illnesses.
• Dispute resolution - Many disputes are subject to mandatory conciliation or mediation before judicial proceedings can be initiated. Provincial labor offices in Córdoba often provide conciliation services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor?

The legal distinction depends on facts - primarily subordination, continuity of services, and whether the worker depends economically on the employer. Employees usually work under instructions, with fixed hours, and receive regular pay with social contributions withheld. If the relationship shows dependency and regularity, the worker is likely an employee even if labeled a contractor. If in doubt, seek legal advice because misclassification can generate significant retroactive liabilities.

What are my rights if I was dismissed without cause?

If you were dismissed without cause you are generally entitled to notice or compensation in lieu of notice, severance based on seniority, payment for accrued vacation and other outstanding amounts. Collective agreements and specific circumstances may alter formulas. Time limits apply to bring a claim, so act promptly and consider contacting a lawyer or the provincial labor office for conciliation.

Can an employer change my contract terms or reduce my hours?

An employer cannot unilaterally make substantial adverse changes to key terms such as salary, work location or hours without your consent, unless the contract or a collective agreement allows it. Significant unilateral changes can be challenged and may be treated as constructive dismissal. Minor operational adjustments are sometimes permitted, but consult a lawyer before accepting a change that reduces your compensation or benefits.

What should I do if I am not being paid correctly?

Document the unpaid amounts - keep payslips, time records, messages and any written communications. Request payment in writing from your employer and, if the issue is not resolved, seek conciliation through the provincial labor office or a lawyer to pursue a claim for unpaid wages, overtime, and related benefits.

What if I work without being registered - empleo en negro?

Workers who were not registered still have labor rights and can claim wages, social security contributions, severance and other entitlements. Employers may face fines and must regularize the employment relationship. If you are in this situation, preserve evidence of work performed and seek legal assistance quickly to initiate claims and remedy registration issues.

How are severance payments calculated?

Severance is generally linked to the employee’s salary and length of service and may include payment for notice, one-month salary per year of service or other formulas depending on the case and the applicable law or CCT. Calculations can be complex because they consider salary components, seniority, and caps established by law or jurisprudence. Consult a lawyer or labor expert to obtain an accurate calculation for your situation.

Do I have to try mediation or conciliation before going to court?

Many employment disputes in Argentina require an attempt at conciliation or mediation through the Ministry of Labor or a provincial conciliation body before judicial proceedings begin. Conciliation is often a faster, less formal route to resolve disputes, but procedural requirements and timelines vary by case and jurisdiction. A lawyer can guide you through the local conciliation process in Córdoba.

Who pays if I have a workplace accident?

Employers must be registered with an ART - Aseguradora de Riesgos del Trabajo - which covers workplace accidents and occupational diseases. The ART handles medical care, temporary incapacity payments and permanent disability compensation. If there is employer negligence, additional claims may be available. Report accidents promptly, seek medical attention, and notify both the employer and the ART in writing.

How do collective bargaining agreements affect my rights?

Collective bargaining agreements can provide higher wages, additional benefits, different overtime rules and specific hiring conditions for a sector. They can be national, regional or employer-specific. Always check the convenios colectivos de trabajo that apply to your sector because they often override general law where they provide better conditions.

Where can I get free or low-cost legal help in Córdoba?

There are public legal aid services, labor office mediations and university legal clinics that offer assistance in employment matters. The Colegio de Abogados de la Provincia de Córdoba may provide referrals, and local community organizations or trade unions often assist members. If cost is a concern, ask for an initial consultation to evaluate your case and potential legal-aid options.

Additional Resources

Useful institutions and resources to consult when you need more information or want to initiate procedures include national and local government agencies and professional bodies. Typical resources are:

• The national Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security - which oversees labor policy and national programs.
• ANSES - the national social security administration that handles family allowances and some social benefits.
• AFIP - the federal tax and social security collection agency where employer registrations and contributions are managed.
• Superintendencia de Riesgos del Trabajo (SRT) and ART providers - for workplace accidents and prevention rules.
• Provincial labor authority in Córdoba - for conciliation, inspections and local procedures.
• Colegio de Abogados de la Provincia de Córdoba - for lawyer referrals and disciplinary information.
• Relevant trade unions and employer associations - for information about applicable collective agreements.
• University legal clinics and public legal aid offices - for low-cost assistance.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with an employment matter in Córdoba, Argentina, follow these practical steps:

• Gather documentation - employment contract, payslips, bank deposits, time records, correspondence, dismissal letter and any evidence of working conditions or incidents.
• Act quickly - labor claims and rights are often subject to short deadlines. Contact a lawyer or the provincial labor office as soon as possible to preserve your options.
• Seek an initial consultation - ask for an evaluation of merits, likely remedies, costs and timelines. Many lawyers offer a first meeting to review documents and advise on next steps.
• Consider conciliation - many disputes can be resolved faster and with less expense through conciliation or mediation. A lawyer can represent you in those procedures.
• Do not sign agreements or waivers without advice - employers may offer settlements that appear convenient but are below your legal entitlements.
• Preserve evidence - keep originals and make copies of all documents, save messages and record dates of important events.
• Evaluate alternatives - depending on the case you may pursue administrative complaints, negotiate a settlement or file a judicial claim. Ask your lawyer about expected timelines and likely outcomes.

Employment law in Córdoba combines national rules with local practice and collective agreements. A qualified labor lawyer familiar with Córdoba will help you understand specific rights and options and guide you through conciliation or litigation when necessary.