BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Hundreds of flights were canceled and dozens rescheduled in Argentina on Wednesday as unionized air travel workers staged a 24-hour nationwide strike demanding higher wages. , the latest sign from Argentina. social chaos in South American countries.
Most of the country’s more than 50 airports remain open, but airlines have canceled hundreds of flights. At Ezeiza International Airport, the country’s largest airport on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, only low-cost carriers Flybondi and American Airlines were operating Wednesday.
State-owned Aerolíneas Argentinas said in a statement that 331 flights were affected by the strike called by the Association of Aviation Personnel, the Argentine Airlines Pilots Association and the Union of Senior and Professional Airline Commercial Companies.
According to Aerolineas Argentinas, the strike is expected to affect nearly 24,000 passengers on the state-owned airline, with an estimated economic impact of $2 million.
Union members blame the government for the collapse of pay talks. The union conflict began last week when the Argentine government proposed a 12% pay increase, but three unions uniting employees at several airlines said the increase was not enough.
The strike comes amid inflation in Argentina has soared This is largely the result of a 50% devaluation of the local currency implemented by President Javier Milei’s government in recent months and the removal of subsidies for services such as public transport and electricity.
According to official data, the cumulative increase in the cost of living in December and January was close to 46%.
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