The Association of Technicians and Employees for Protection and Safety in Aeronautics (Atepsa), representing air traffic controllers in Argentina, has announced the start of a nationwide strike beginning today. The strike, which demands salary improvements, will unfold through a series of staggered stops starting at 3 PM and lasting until March 2nd. During this period, controllers will halt operations in various time slots throughout each day, potentially leading to significant delays and rescheduling of flights across the country.

Today's actions are set to begin with a three-hour work stoppage from 3 PM to 6 PM, disrupting all departures from airports regardless of destination or flight type. Similarly, the strike will continue tomorrow, Friday, with further impacts on both commercial aviation and private flights. The planned labor actions come at a time when air traffic controllers are seeking to address grievances related to compensation, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced in the aviation sector amidst rising living costs and wage demands.

As the strike unfolds, passengers can expect considerable disruption to travel plans, with the potential for cascading effects in the aviation industry over the coming days. The implications of this strike extend beyond just immediate flight cancellations, as it raises questions about how labor relations within the aviation sector are handled and the long-term effects on service provision. Depending on the union's negotiations with authorities, it may also set a precedent for future labor disputes within various sectors in Argentina.