The conflict between the Association of Technicians and Employees for the Protection and Safety of Air Navigation (ATEPSA) and the Argentine Air Navigation Company (EANA) is escalating. The union has announced a schedule of strike actions that, while initially targeting cargo aviation, is leaving the logistics sector on edge and does not rule out an escalation affecting commercial passenger flights ahead of the upcoming long weekend.
Within the staggered strike schedule announced by ATEPSA for the month, November 21st and 24th are presented as potential days of disruption to aerocommercial activity. The strike actions are being carried out during specific time slots, primarily at night (between 22:00 and 06:00), and directly impact cargo transport. During this period, the union has instructed its members not to authorize the take-offs of aircraft dedicated exclusively to cargo activity or to accept their flight plans.
The union, which represents over a thousand essential workers for air safety, is demanding compliance with labor and collective bargaining agreements signed by EANA, an entity dependent on the National State.
> "Despite the measures aiming to 'avoid affecting passenger operations,' the 'lack of management' by EANA 'worsens the situation' and deepens the collective conflict."
Impact on the logistics chain The disruption of cargo operations during nighttime hours is already causing delays and complications in the country's logistics and commercial chain. High-value or perishable products that depend on the speed of air transport are being affected, which could have a domino effect on import and export deadlines.
Warning of escalation Tension could escalate, as a national plenary of ATEPSA delegates will be held tomorrow. This could imply an expansion of the strike hours or an extension of restrictions to commercial passenger flights, a scenario that airlines and travelers hope to avoid, especially on the eve of the long weekend. At this meeting, air traffic controllers will analyze whether to intensify their action plan due to the company's lack of responses.
The union has warned that if EANA does not comply with its commitments and does not call for dialogue, they will be forced to increase their "legitimate union action measures".
