Air Traffic Controllers in Argentina Begin Staggered Strike: How It Will Affect Flights
The Technical Association for the Protection and Safety of Air Navigation Employees (ATEPSA) has confirmed the start of a schedule of staggered strikes, extending from Friday the 22nd to Saturday the 30th of August, following the breakdown of salary negotiations. The measures will not be continuous but will occur during specific time slots, which will directly impact airport operations and force the rescheduling of numerous flights.
Why the Strike is Happening
On Tuesday, August 19th, the union announced its plan of industrial action after concluding the second mandatory conciliation period and its extension without an acceptable salary proposal. In a statement, ATEPSA explained:
“With the conclusion of the second mandatory conciliation, including its extension, and given the persistent refusal of the authorities to present an unconditional salary proposal, we inform that on August 13th, the new schedule of legitimate trade union actions was formally submitted, with a start date of Friday, August 22nd, in accordance with the plan of action approved unanimously by the National Plenary of Delegates.”
The organization clarified that, despite the measures, it will guarantee compliance with existing regulations for Essential Public Services while exercising its right to strike.
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Which Operations Will Be Affected
During the strike periods, authorizing aircraft takeoffs, vehicle movement on runways, and flight plan processing will be prohibited. Only emergency flights, medical services, humanitarian missions, state flights, and search and rescue operations will be exempt.
Restriction Schedule
ATEPSA’s plan includes the following time slots:
- Friday, August 22: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday, August 24: Same hours (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
- Tuesday, August 26: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Thursday, August 28: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday, August 30: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Government’s Stance
The Argentine Air Navigation Company (EANA) rejected the measures, warning that they affect an essential service protected by law. In a statement, the entity stated that they:
- Participated in 17 negotiation hearings without reaching an agreement due to the union’s “uncompromising stance.”
- The court rejected the injunction filed by ATEPSA against the ANAC (National Civil Aviation Administration) regulations on essential services.
- Passengers must contact their airlines for information on their flight status.
For its part, the Ministry of Transport stated that negotiations remain open despite the union’s “threats.” According to the ministry, several proposals were made, including a 15% pay raise, which was not accepted by the union. They also sought to reassure the public, stating that flights would be able to be rescheduled.
A Conflict Adding to Others
Until August 7th, the union was under a mandatory conciliation order, which halted protests planned for July. With its expiration, the union was enabled to proceed with its measures.
This strike occurs within a broader climate of tension in the aviation sector, as the Airline Pilots Association (APLA) has also announced a national strike, though without a set date.
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