Air traffic controllers announce strikes that will affect flights during the Christmas holidays

The air traffic controllers’ union announced a schedule of strikes that will affect domestic and international flights in the coming weeks, after failing to reach an agreement with the Argentine Air Navigation Company (EANA).  The measures, which include restrictions on takeoffs and flight plans, will coincide with the peak air traffic period of the year. The Association of Air Navigation Security and Protection Technicians and Employees (ATEPSA) decided to escalate its protest plan, which began in November, after denouncing the breach of previously signed agreements and the lack of response to its demands.  According to the union, previous disruptions in cargo aviation failed to open effective channels for negotiation, leading them to decide to proceed with further industrial action. Among their main demands are the reinstatement of workers dismissed without cause at understaffed airports, a review of meal allowances, recognition of seniority, resolution of more than 60 pending operational issues, and the reopening of collective bargaining.  The union also warned about the decline in wages despite the growth in air operations. Since the current EANA authorities took office in 2024, they have shown brutal intransigence and a lack of dialogue, not only in resolving the salary issues of their workers, but also in the face of the serious operational situation that we have been denouncing; both issues remain unanswered, the union said in a statement. Following the workers’ statement, EANA reaffirmed its willingness to engage in dialogue and continue negotiations. “ATEPSA attempted to unilaterally terminate the ongoing negotiations,” the company stated, adding that nothing is certain until the meetings conclude.  Meanwhile, they clarified that the Ministry of Labor has scheduled a new hearing for Wednesday, December 17 at 10:00 AM, with the aim of resolving the conflict and minimizing disruption to passengers. Dates and times of the strikes The strike schedule announced by the air traffic controllers’ union is as follows: Wednesday, December 17, from 8 to 11:00 AM: domestic flights Thursday, December 18, from 4 to 7:00 PM: domestic flights Tuesday, December 23, from 7 to 11:00 PM: domestic flights Saturday, December 27, from 2 to 5:00 PM: international flights nationwide Monday, December 29, from 8 to 11:00 AM: all flights at all airports The union clarified that the measures will only affect takeoffs, with restrictions on ground authorizations and no transmission of flight plans during the strike hours.  Emergency, medical, humanitarian, state, and search and rescue operations will be exempt. With information from mbito