Argentina: Unionized air traffic control workers to hold separate strikes at airports nationwide, Sept. 6-28

Air traffic controllers affiliated with the Association of Technicians and Employees of Air Navigation Protection and Security (ATEPSA) plan to hold a series of strikes at airports nationwide Sept. 6-28 to demand increased salaries. Strikes lasting two to three hours are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays during the affected time frame. ATEPSA stated that the strike action would predominantly impact flight takeoffs; air traffic controllers will not distribute flight plans during strike periods. Some strikes will impact only international flights, while others will impact all flight operations.

The following strikes will impact all flight operations:

• Sept. 6: 17:00-19;00

• Sept. 9: 07:00-09:00

• Sept. 13: 17:00-19:00

• Sept. 16: 07:00-10:00

• Sept. 20: 17:00-20:00

• Sept. 23: 07:00-09:00 and 19:00-21:00

• Sept. 27: 07:00-09:00 and 19:00-21:00

The following strikes will impact international flight operations:

• Sept. 7: 20:00-23:00

• Sept. 11: 13:00-16:00

• Sept. 18: 13:00-16:00

• Sept. 21: 20:00-23:00

• Sept. 25: 13:00-16:00

• Sept. 28: 20:00-23:00

The strikes will likely cause flight delays and cancelations at Argentinian airports during the affected times. Flight disruptions will probably extend for several hours after strikes end as airlines reposition aircraft and work through passenger backlogs. ATEPSA may adjust or cancel strikes leading up to the civil action. Strikes will not impact essential flights, like those providing sanitary, humanitarian, and search and rescue services. While no protests have been announced, picketing is possible at airports and air traffic control centers nationwide.