Defense Ministry announces measures adopted by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation in response to strike action

Representatives from the DGAC Workers’ Association are asking the Government for clear evidence of its interest in advancing towards a solution to their demands. The Government has informed them that a round table will be set up between the Treasury, Defense and Interior Ministries with the participation of the Workers’ Association within at least 90 days of September 22, 2015.

Although the workers have wanted the Treasury Ministry to listen to their demands for several years, they have rejected the Government’s proposal and decided to proceed with illegal strike action which will affect thousands of Chileans.

Given that the Government has paved the way for dialogue and held numerous meetings with union leaders, the Workers’ Association’s decision to suspend dialogue is unwarranted. In response to the call for strike action, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation has confirmed it will be implementing a series of measures to minimize the impact on the public and guarantee appropriate safety standards on flights:

• The DGAC will be permanently monitoring the situation at every airport from the moment the strike begins, focusing primarily on operational factors. The DGAC will be checking which posts are manned to ensure that airports are able to meet the minimum standards set by the Aviation Directorate. If these standards cannot be met, flights will be cancelled and airlines will be duly notified so they can take appropriate action.
• The DGAC has asked airlines and passengers to try to reschedule their flights. The major Chilean airlines have offered to reschedule passengers on alternative flights at no extra cost.
• Passengers are asked to check their airline’s website for the latest information and to find out whether flights are still operating, if there are any changes to departure and arrival times or whether flights have been rescheduled or merged. It is hoped that this will avoid unnecessary backlogs at airports.
• Airlines and airports are working to ensure that staff are available at airports to assist passengers with flight information. Passengers are asked not to check-in unless their flight departure is confirmed.
• The DGAC has requested additional support from other institutions, including the Chilean Air Force, while the Fire Service and the Uniformed Police are on stand-by to assist if required.