New Delhi, Feb. 28 -- Argentine President Javier Milei scored a crucial victory in congress Friday with the approval of a sweeping labor reform aimed at radically altering labor relations in the South American country.

With 42 votes in favor, 28 against and two abstentions, the Senate passed the government-backed initiative into law. The reform seeks to modernize labor relations, lower labor costs and limit the historical power of unions.

"Historic! We have a labor modernization," Milei said after the overhaul was approved.

Shortly before the debate began in Argentina's upper house, clashes broke out between police and protesters participating in a demonstration organized by unions, opposition political groups and left-wing social orga...