10,000 passengers affected by airport strikes

A solidarity strike by baggage handlers has led to over 40 canceled flights

More than 40 flights have been cancelled by JetSmart and Latam airlines in airports throughout Argentina due to strikes by Intercargo, a company that provides boarding and baggage services. At least 10,000 people have been affected by the cancellations.

The following airports have been affected: Jorge Newbery (known as Aeroparque), Ministro Pistarini (better known as Ezeiza), Cordoba Airport (in the province of Córdoba) and Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (in Mendoza).

Intercargo staff, who are represented by the Asociación del Personal Aeronáutico (APA), first went on strike at 3 p.m. yesterday. This comes after a conflict arose between the APA and Swissport, another airport company that provides services to airlines. According to Télam, Intercargo staff are striking in solidarity with Swissport workers who wish to join the union. 

The strike by Intercargo staff, which lasted over 15 hours, came to an end after the Labor Ministry applied a mandatory labor conciliation which enforces a 15-day period within which they have to reach an agreement. The Herald reached out to APA representatives and did not receive an immediate response.

JetSmart, when addressing the labor actions said that “they regret the current circumstances that are totally unrelated to the company.” Latam has also commented the same thing, reiterating that they are separate from the Intercargo. They have also mentioned that despite the disruption their airlines are very efficient.

It has meant that JetSmart have had to cancel 30 flights today on top of 15 flights that they cancelled yesterday. Yesterday 4,300 people were affected and today with even more cancellations 6,000 passengers have had to consider alternatives. 

Even though Latam has been less affected by the strikes it has still meant 4,300 passengers have also had to find alternatives. Both airlines are urging their clients to check the status of their flights and look at the alternatives available through their web pages, customer services or through the apps.

—with information from Télam

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