State aviation workers and the ATE union protested at approximately 20 airports across Argentina on Friday, May 15, 2026 [1], [3].
The demonstrations signal a deepening conflict between the government and public sector unions. Because the National Meteorological Service (SMN) provides critical safety data for flight operations, prolonged labor instability could disrupt national air travel.
The protests follow the firing of 140 employees from the SMN [2]. Of those dismissed, 98 workers belong to the aeronautical sector [2]. The union ATE said the protests were necessary because the dismissals remained unresolved after a month of mandatory conciliation.
Demonstrations took place at various sites, including the Jorge Newbery Aeroparque in Buenos Aires and the SMN central headquarters at Dorrego 4019 [1], [4]. In addition to the reinstatement of fired staff, workers are demanding salary increases.
"The workers of the aeronautical sector demand salary increases and the revocation of the dismissals," a representative of ATE said [3].
The tension within the agency has been mounting since April. One SMN worker, speaking anonymously, described the atmosphere as one of severe anxiety. "The anguish that is felt is horrible, you don't know if it's your last day," the worker said [4].
While some reports focused on Aeroparque as the primary epicenter of the unrest, other accounts indicate the action spanned roughly 20 airports nationwide [1], [3]. The union has warned that if demands are not met, they may launch a national strike next week [3].
“The workers of the aeronautical sector demand salary increases and the revocation of the dismissals”
The conflict highlights a volatile intersection between government austerity measures and critical infrastructure safety. By firing nearly 100 aeronautical specialists from the National Meteorological Service, the state risks degrading the quality of weather forecasting essential for aviation safety. A national strike would likely freeze domestic air traffic, escalating a labor dispute into a broader economic and logistical crisis.
