Flight schedules across Argentina may be affected today as the State Workers Association (ATE) has called for assemblies on Monday at 21 airports. 

The meetings aim to denounce the National Civil Aviation Administration’s (ANAC) “failure to comply with international audits”, which could cause a “worrying deterioration of all aeronautical services,” according to ATE’s communiqué.

ATE head Rodolfo Aguiar said that “the safety of all flights is threatened” and held the government responsible for any delays or service problems during Monday’s meetings.

Regarding the failure to comply with audits, the union leader explained that international organizations have warned that “monitoring capacity has been reduced, and more personnel must be incorporated as the only way to reduce risks in the system.” The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) issued a red alert for this situation several weeks ago.

Aguiar also mentioned “negligence and irresponsibility” of public officials been reflected in “salary freezes, the flexibilization of working conditions, and budget cuts.” 

In this regard, the union leader added that reopening the sector’s collective bargaining agreement is “the first step” toward “reversing the crisis.” According to ATE, the  sector’s collective bargaining agreement has been stalled for two years, and as a result 45% of aeronautical workers’ purchasing power has been lost due to inflation.

ATE’s demands include an “urgent” salary increase and transferring 200 workers  to permanent positions.

“Stressed-out and fatigued workers juggling multiple tasks cannot ensure the maximum level of safety required,” Aguiar added. 

With information from Ámbito