Hundreds of Flights Canceled in Argentina as Aviation Employees Go on One-Day Strike

Hundreds of flights were canceled in Argentina as unionized airport employees partake in a 24-hour strike on February 28. Airline employees represented by three different unions in the country, including the Association of Aeronautical Personnel, the Argentinian Association of Airline Pilots, and the Union of Senior and Professional of Aero Commercial Companies, are coordinating the day-long social effort. 

Tensions around the unions started last week during salary negotiations, in which the Argentine government proposed a 12% pay increase that was deemed insufficient for the union employees amidst high inflation. The strike is set to impact around 24,000 travelers in the country and cause an estimated $2 million loss.

Social unrest has been frequent in Argentina since the November 2023 election, when right-wing populist Javier Milei won the run-off election. The Milei administration has attempted to pass legislation that would affect union rights, which has led to a series of strikes across the country. 1.5 million people partook in a general strike on January 24. The 12-hour strike impacted public services, transit, and other unionized operations. 

Milei's government has continued to stick to the reform plans and efforts. The local currency has also been devalued by 50 percent by the Milei government, and the subsequent elimination of public service subsidies, such as public transportation, has been met with scrutiny by the working class.

Argentina's flag carrier, Aerolíneas Argentinas, canceled all of its operations during the January strike and is reporting upwards of 330 flights were affected by the February strike. According to reports, the only airlines operating at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires are American Airlines and Flybondi. As the strike was coordinated, various domestic and international airlines flying in the country rescheduled or moved flights to assist their passengers. Although most airports remain open, no operations are taking place.

Organized airline and airport strikes have been common in recent months. One recent example involves Lufthansa employees striking at seven German airports over low pay.