LATAM Chile Pilots OK Strike, Mediation Clock Ticks

Published on Nov 6, 2025, 10:51 am CST

3 min read

LATAM's main Chile-based pilots union, the Sindicato de Pilotos de LATAM (SPL), has rejected the company's latest offer with 97 percent voting to authorize a strike, triggering a mandatory five-business-day mediation by Chile's Labor Directorate. LATAM says flights continue normally during mediation. Travelers with near-term itineraries that touch Santiago, Chile, should plan conservatively in case talks fail and a work stoppage is called quickly once the legal cooling-off period ends.

LATAM Chile hub exposure

The highest risk sits with services operated under LATAM's Chile air operator certificate, centered on Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL). That includes core domestic trunk routes such as Antofagasta, Concepción, Puerto Montt and others, plus long-haul departures to cities like Los Angeles and Madrid on select days, along with regional links to Brazil, Peru and Argentina. If a strike is called, ripple effects would concentrate at Santiago because of crew and aircraft rotations.

Latest developments

SPL's strike authorization follows a breakdown in bargaining over restoring pre-pandemic conditions. Chilean media report the vote margin at 97 percent and note that LATAM requested "buenos oficios" mediation by the Labor Directorate, which pauses any walkout for five business days while talks proceed. LATAM has publicly stated operations continue normally during this period.

How the mediation clock works

Under Chile's labor framework, once mediation is requested after a strike authorization, an Inspector of Labor works with both sides for five business days. If no agreement is reached, the process can be extended by up to five more days; otherwise, the union may begin a strike the next business day after the mediation concludes. This is why disruption risk can materialize with short notice right after the clock runs.

Reaccommodation, refunds and partner tickets

If LATAM cancels or significantly reschedules a flight due to labor action, passengers generally may accept rebooking on the next available service, or request a refund for the unused portion in line with LATAM's policies and local consumer protections. LATAM's help center outlines refund eligibility for cancellations or reprogramming, and its trade guidance describes how involuntary changes are handled. If your ticket was issued by a partner airline or a travel agency, the ticketing channel typically processes changes or refunds, while the operating carrier manages day-of-travel assistance.

Practical planning for travelers

Until mediation ends, today's schedules should look normal, but it is smart to build margin into connections through Santiago and to avoid last flights of the day on thinner routes. If you must travel during the potential strike window, choose earlier departures and nonstop options when possible, monitor app notifications, and keep any checked-bag plans flexible so you can switch flights quickly if needed.

Final thoughts

The decisive strike vote raises near-term uncertainty at LATAM's Chile hub even as flights continue on schedule during mediation. If talks fail, a stoppage could start the next business day, concentrating disruption at Santiago and on Chile-operated long-haul and domestic flying. Travelers should stay flexible and verify options in advance while the mediation clock runs.