APLA (Association of Airline Pilots), the union representing the majority of airline pilots in Argentina, has formally requested a meeting with Fabián Lombardo, president of the Aerolíneas Argentinas Group, with the aim of resuming collective bargaining negotiations.
In a statement shared on social media, APLA expressed its concern over the wage delays that, according to the union, have severely affected the purchasing power of its members. «We need to continue working towards a solution that restores the income of our represented members,» the message stated, emphasizing the need for a prompt response to address this issue.
This request comes weeks after unions signed an agreement with the airline, which resolved a labor conflict after lengthy negotiation sessions. At that time, a 16% wage increase was agreed upon, along with a series of adjustments to labor benefits included in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, such as the introduction of a productivity scheme rewarding 3% to 4% increases for overtime hours flown.
However, pilots and crew members accepted cuts to certain points of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, such as the limitation of free tickets to economy class with the possibility of an upgrade subject to availability, and the modification of the start of the workday, which now begins upon arrival at the airport instead of boarding transportation to it.
Despite the resolution of the conflict, worker dissatisfaction persists. Inflation in Argentina and its impact on real wages have led APLA to demand an immediate review of the agreement, making it clear that the 16% increase has proven insufficient against the decline in purchasing power.
The meeting request marks a new phase in the relationship between the unions and Aerolíneas Argentinas’ management. While previous agreements were presented as progress by both parties, this new demand could indicate growing tensions, especially if a consensus meeting the workers’ expectations is not reached.
For now, the unions are awaiting a positive response from the company, aiming to work together on a solution that mitigates the economic context’s effects on employees’ income. Aerolíneas Argentinas’ reaction will be key to preventing the escalation of new labor disputes.
