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$Santiago, Chile: LATAM Airlines has cancelled 173 flights scheduled between 12 and 17 November after more than 460 Chile-based pilots launched strike action at midnight on Wednesday, following a breakdown in contract talks. The cancellations have affected an estimated 20,000 passengers, according to the airline’s latest update. LATAM said it has provided “alternative solutions” to nearly all affected travellers, including free flight changes, rebooking options and full refunds. The carrier added that maintaining connectivity across Chile remains a priority as it adjusts operations during the disruption. The strike was triggered after the Sindicato de Pilotos de LATAM (SPL) rejected the airline’s latest offer, arguing that LATAM has refused to restore pre-COVID salary scales and benefits. Pilots say they accepted pay cuts and reduced conditions during the pandemic to support the company through its financial crisis, yet those reductions have not been reversed despite the airline’s strong post-recovery performance. SPL President Mario Troncoso said the company “shut down dialogue” and forced the stoppage, claiming the pilots’ proposal represented only a small fraction of LATAM’s recent profits. Most affected services are domestic Chile routes, though international schedules have also been adjusted. LATAM is operating a contingency plan to prevent wider disruptions, but the strike has already triggered one of the most significant labour-related interruptions for the carrier since the pandemic. Industry analysts note that while 173 cancellations represent a small portion of LATAM’s total network, the disruption is substantial given the tight scheduling of regional operations and high reliance on LATAM for connectivity in several Chilean cities. Despite the strike, both sides have indicated that talks are continuing. Labour-law provisions in Chile allow for extended mediation, and observers expect renewed government or regulator engagement if the disruption continues into the coming week.$