Flight delays and cancellations expected over aviation workers strike

Flights in Argentina are expected to suffer delays, reschedules and cancellations between this Thursday and March 2 due to a staggered air controllers strike and a nation-wide stoppage that will include aviation workers. The measures come after last weeks general strike, which led to hundreds of flights across the country. The strike could potentially be stopped by what is known as mandatory conciliation, a measure issued by the government stating that the union cannot carry out protest measures and is expected to negotiate with their employer during a certain period of time. A similar protest in December was halted with this measure. Air controllers union ATEPSA announced they will stop carrying out their duties for periods of three hours from Thursday, February 26, to Monday, March 2, at different times. The strike will affect departing domestic and international flights in all Argentine airports. The schedule is the following: -Thursday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. for all flights -Friday between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. for all flights -Saturday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. for non-commercial flights -Sunday between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. for domestic commercial flights -Monday between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. for all flights Air controllers are demanding better salaries and working conditions, as well as protesting against layoffs carried out by state-owned air navigation company EANA. Labor reform protests continue Last week, unions across the country carried out a general strike protesting President Javier Mileis labor reform. While the lower house formally approved the bill on Friday, the senate is expected to hold a final session on Friday to greenlight changes made to the original text. A group of unions have announced a 36-hour strike between Thursday and Friday to protest the reform, which will include aviation and airport workers. It is yet to be confirmed when the strike will begin. The measure could escalate to a general strike if the General Confederation of Labor (CGT, for its Spanish initials) decides to back it. Among the unions confirmed to join the strike are the State Workers Association (ATE, by its Spanish initials), which includes aviation healthcare workers, firefighters, and land control staff, as well as unions representing land personell (APA), pilots (APLA) and supervisors (UPSA). Cabin crew union AAA could potentially join if it becomes a general strike.