Airport ground staff call off July 31 strike

A strike set for July 31 by ground staff in airports all over Spain, including Barcelona, was called off on Friday. The planned stoppage was canceled after three days of intense talks between the USO, CCOO and UGT unions and the Aseata association representing airport handling companies.

In a joint statement, the three unions said that an agreement with Aseata would be signed on September 30. The deal means that industrial action affecting some 50,000 employees in Spanish airports will now be avoided, and various objections by employees to issues relating to contracts, pay and bonuses resolved.

The unions originally announced their intention of taking industrial action a week ago, with the possibility of the stoppage going on into August - the busiest time of the year in Spain’s airports. Apart from bonus and salary issues, the union demands included better conditions relating to rest periods, overtime and professional progression.

Other strikes still expected

The threatened strike is just one of a number industrial disputes hanging over airports at this crucial time of year. A two-day strike by Ryanair cabin crew on July 25 and 26 will affect some 400 of the low-cost carrier’s flights, while 2,000 of Iberia’s ground staff will strike on July 27 and 28, and August 3 and 4, which might also affect the Catalan airline, Vueling.