BCRA sets deposit rate for labor lawsuits and launches interest calculation tool
The Banco Central de la República Argentina (BCRA) has determined the passive interest rate for labor lawsuits and launched a new tool to facilitate interest calculation. This decision, formalized on March 6, 2026, aims to update credits from individual labor relations.
Fixed-term deposits as benchmark for labor claims
The Banco Central de la República Argentina (BCRA) has formally established the passive interest rate for calculating credits in individual labor lawsuits.
Resolution 45/26 specifies that the average passive interest rate, weighted by amounts, for 30-day fixed-term deposits in pesos with fixed remuneration, as published daily by the BCRA, will be applied.
This decision aligns with Article 55(a) of Law 27.802, the Labor Modernization Law.
The BCRA evaluated various deposit types, concluding that 30-day fixed-term deposits are the most appropriate benchmark due to their widespread use by individuals for investment and extensive historical data since 1985.
Other deposit types were deemed less suitable, often having lower yields or primarily serving legal entities.
Fixed-term deposits have historically represented the largest share of local currency deposits, averaging 41% over the last 25 years.
Short-term deposits (up to 59 days) have grown significantly, reaching nearly 90% of total fixed-term deposits by late 2023.
Historical data for precise calculations
To facilitate the precise calculation of interests for labor lawsuits, the BCRA will construct and publish a comprehensive historical series.
This series will reflect the effective daily interest rate of 30-day fixed-term deposits in pesos with fixed remuneration.
The historical data for this series will commence on June 3, 1993, serving as the foundational base date for all calculations.
The methodology employed for constructing this series is detailed in an annex to Resolution 45/26. This initiative aims to provide a clear and consistent reference for legal professionals and individuals involved in labor disputes, ensuring transparency and accuracy in the application of interest rates as mandated by the Labor Modernization Law.
A practical step for legal certainty
This BCRA resolution provides much-needed clarity and a standardized benchmark for calculating interest in labor lawsuits.
By linking to a widely recognized and historically robust fixed-term deposit rate, it aims to ensure greater legal certainty and fairer compensation for individuals.
However, the practical impact on existing cases will depend on the specific implementation and how this new, unified rate compares to previously applied diverse calculation methods.