This Monday morning will be marked by “information assemblies” organized by aeronautical unions at both the metropolitan Aeroparque and Ezeiza airports. These assemblies are expected to disrupt flights scheduled between 8 and 11 in the morning. While Aerolíneas Argentinas has managed to adjust their flight schedules to avoid cancellations, other airlines may be affected.
The unions are protesting against the half-sanction in Deputies of the Bases Law project, which includes reducing the non-taxable minimum, potentially resulting in aeronautical employees having to pay Income Tax on their salaries. The unions have been opposed to the government’s policies even before it took office, especially the decision to privatize Aerolíneas Argentinas through DNU 70 and implement an “open skies” policy.
The United Aeronautical Unions alliance, comprising APLA, APTA, UPSA, and APA, has organized the protests. The cabin crew of Aerolíneas Argentinas and low-cost carriers are also participating, while the low-cost company unions will not go on strike. This Monday’s protest is the first of two planned for the week, with a general strike scheduled for Thursday.
Aerolíneas sources have assured that there will be no cancellations, although delays are possible due to the assemblies. Flybondi does not expect cancellations or delays, while JetSmart may experience affected flights due to their use of Intercargo ramp services. Foreign airlines landing at Ezeiza are also monitoring the situation.
The protests will continue beyond this week, with protests planned in front of the National Congress on the day the Senate discusses the Bases Law. The details of these protests will be communicated by the unions’ organic bodies.