On Monday morning, aeronautical unions are organizing “information assemblies” at both the metropolitan Aeroparque and Ezeiza airports. These assemblies, expected to disrupt flights scheduled between 8 and 11 in the morning, will cause delays but no cancellations. The United Aeronautical Unions alliance, comprising APLA, APTA, UPSA, and APA, is leading the protests. Cabin crew from Aerolíneas Argentinas and low-cost carriers are also participating. However, low-cost company unions will not go on strike. This is the first of two planned protests for the week, with a general strike scheduled for Thursday.
The unions are protesting against the half-sanction in Deputies of the Bases Law project, which includes reducing the non-taxable minimum and 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 its decision to privatize Aerolíneas Argentinas through DNU 70 and implement an “open skies” policy.
Aerolíneas sources have assured that there will be no cancellations due to these assemblies; however, delays are possible due to their impact on flight schedules. Flybondi does not expect cancellations or delays due to their operations at Ezeiza airport. JetSmart may experience affected flights due to their use of Intercargo ramp services at Ezeiza airport. Foreign airlines landing at Ezeiza are also monitoring the situation closely.
These protests will continue beyond this week as well. The details of future protests will be communicated by the unions’ organic bodies in front of Congress when they discuss Bases Law on its second reading day.
