More Than 98% Of Lan Express Workers Voted To Strike, Rejecting Proposals Offered By The Largest Airline In Latin America

All areas related to maintenance, ramp and passenger assistance are likely to be affected and cause delays and flight cancellations across Chile and international connections if a strike against LAN Airlines takes place.

In Chile, workers voted to strike with record participation and a strong 98.19% vote as a sign of their indignation at what they described as a "shameful" offer by LATAM Airlines. Unions claim the company's proposal ignores the status of the workers and takes no responsibility for improving working conditions, instead preferring to keep a significant segment of the workforce below the poverty line.

On the evening of Tuesday April 7 Lan Express workers assembled at Chile's trade union confederation the Central Unitaria de Trabajadores and agreed to the commencement of the strike action. LATAM Airlines has ongoing labor disputes which affect its operations and also its flights in Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil.

Luis Chavez, president of the Union of Workers of LAN Express (Sindilanex), representing 881 employees of the largest airline in Latin America, said that they could not put off action while the owners of the company are still getting rich at the expense of workers living below the poverty line. Sindilanex brings together 881 employees - ramp, passenger assistance and maintenance workers - all in vital areas for the proper functioning and safety of flights at airports throughout Chile.

It’s reported the demand for improved pay and working conditions is shared by other airport workers, who have joined the demonstrations.

FMI: www.lan.com