Vikki Moran
Updated on: October 9, 2024 1:09 am GMT
Major Strike Disrupts Air Travel in Argentina, Affecting Thousands
On Friday, two prominent aviation unions in Argentina initiated a strike that led to the cancellation of 183 flights and impacted more than 15,600 passengers at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery and Ezeiza International Airport. This action was taken by the Asociación de Pilotos de Líneas Aéreas (APLA) and the Asociación Argentina de Aeronavegantes (AAA), protesting for better compensation amid skyrocketing inflation rates that have reached an annual high of 264%.
Strike Details and Impact
The strike commenced at 5 a.m. local time and lasted until 2 p.m., effectively grounding all Aerolíneas Argentinas flights during those hours, although some incoming international flights managed to land. Passengers at both major airports faced significant delays and had to scramble to find alternative travel arrangements.
According to a press release from Aerolíneas Argentinas, “The measures announced will affect some 150 flights and over 15,000 passengers.” Although low-cost carriers like Flybondi and Jetsmart maintained operations, many travelers reported confusion and frustration as they learned of the industrial action only upon arriving at the airport.
“They told us nothing so far. They said no flights today, maybe tomorrow,” one traveler lamented. “We might have to get with another company to get to our destination.”
Government Response and Union Demands
The strike has drawn criticism from the Argentine government, with Presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni calling the actions “completely illogical” and warning that workers who participated would face pay deductions. The government has been under pressure as aviation unions have staged several strikes in recent weeks, pushing for salary increases amid the country’s economic turmoil.
In a press release, the unions emphasized the need for “a serious business proposal” that aligns with the current economic landscape. The strike aims to address not just immediate pay concerns but broader issues related to job security and working conditions in the aviation sector.
Reduction in Workforce at Aerolíneas Argentinas
The labor strife comes in the wake of a recent report indicating that the government has cut the workforce of Aerolíneas Argentinas by 13% over the past six months, resulting in the loss of 1,500 employees largely through voluntary redundancies and retirement plans. This move is part of broader efforts by President Javier Milei’s administration to streamline operations at the state-owned airline, which has faced substantial losses in recent years.
Aerolíneas Argentinas’ CEO, Fabián Lombardo, described the strike as “extortionate and illogical,” insisting that the company would not acquiesce to union demands. He stated that discussions were still open and accused striking workers of harming both the airline and its passengers.
Future Outlook for Aviation in Argentina
Lombardo also reiterated the government’s commitment to privatizing Aerolíneas Argentinas, a plan that has met with skepticism from both employees and industry analysts. “The mandate is to move forward towards cleaning up this company to make it attractive for capital investment and its privatization—something which for now is outside what has been approved by Congress,” he explained.
As the future of Air Argentina hangs in the balance, both travelers and industry stakeholders continue to monitor the developments closely. The economic strain felt by workers is palpable, and with inflation at record levels, the outcome of these negotiations could set the tone for the aviation industry in Argentina moving forward.
For more information on the current situation in Argentina’s aviation sector, visit [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com).
Conclusion
The ongoing strike shows the growing tension between workers and managers in Argentina. The country is facing high prices and many job cuts. As unions push for what they want, this strike will affect the travel plans of many people. The government is expected to keep trying to save money, which means this unrest in the airline industry might just be the start of a bigger conversation about workers’ rights and the country’s economy.
