Colombia’s Avianca weathers strike by more than half its pilots

As a strike by more than half its 1,300 pilots moved into the second week, Colombian flag carrier Avianca has activated what the airline calls an operational mitigation plan. “We have … adjusted our itineraries in the most efficient ways possible with active crews and available physical resources,” Avianca said, advising passengers to check flight status or request refunds if flights are canceled. Last week, all ticket sales for destinations within Colombia were suspended for three days as a measure “intended to mitigate potential damages,” the airline said. The 730 pilots, represented by the Colombian Association of Civil Aviators (ACDAC) went on strike Sept. 20, following a breakdown in contract negotiations. Avianca declared the pilot strike illegal, saying while the right to strike is guaranteed by the Colombian constitution, it is not guaranteed for essential public services. Avianca cited a public law saying transportation is an essential public service, “therefore, the strike called by ACDAC is illegal [and] should [the pilots] follow through, the airline will take the corresponding disciplinary measures.” However, ACDAC president Jaime Hernandez responded saying commercial aviation is not an essential public service. Avianca said it had presented more than 20 proposals to ACDAC leaders to improve pilot benefits, which were rejected by ACDAC. <br/>