The labor unions of Aerolíneas Argentinas are still in conflict with the company, and if a satisfactory agreement is not reached for the Government, the closure of the company is a likely option. The unions in conflict are the Association of Airline Pilots (APLA), the Association of Flight Attendants, and the Association of Aeronautical Personnel (ground staff). Since mid-August, these unions have been taking action due to the lack of consensus regarding a proposed salary increase by the airline.
In the context of the negotiations, the resistance of the unions is notable, especially the one led by Pablo Biró, against the Government's demands to cut retirement bonuses, business class seats, and work hours, among other aspects. The Executive is requesting significant cuts within the collective labor agreements as a way to make the operation of the state airline more sustainable.
In a meeting that lasted seven hours, a recess was agreed upon until Tuesday, and a salary increase of 14% was proposed for the June-August period, in exchange for the cuts requested by the Government. The unions remain firm in defending certain benefits, such as access to business class seats and preferences in tickets for pilots and their families.
There is concern about the possible privatization or closure of the company if an agreement is not reached in the negotiations. The possibility of applying a preventive crisis procedure is also mentioned, which worries the workers. Union representatives emphasize the importance of reaching a comprehensive proposal that satisfies both parties and allows the airline to maintain its operability. If negotiations fail, the consequences could be the closure of Aerolíneas Argentinas, an option that the Government does not dismiss.
