Thousands stranded by airline strike in Argentina

A strike by workers of two of the largest airlines in Argentina caused the cancellation of dozens of flights and the grounding of tens of thousands of passengers on Tuesday.

Unions representing state-run carrier Aerolineas Argentinas and sister company Austral Lineas Aereas are demanding a 26 per cent salary hike in line with the inflation rate.

The Telam state news agency said that about 40,000 people have been affected and 300 domestic and international flights have been cancelled by the 24-hour stoppage.

The Jorge Newbery airport in Buenos Aires was inactive due to the strike, while several areas of the Ezeiza airport in the outskirts of the Argentine capital remained empty.

The president of the Aerolineas Argentinas group is criticising the unions representing the workers and said the company might take legal action. The group said passengers can change the date of their flights at no charge.

Union secretary general Ruben Fernandez told local news media the unions is likely to stage other strikes if their demands are not met.

(SCMP)