Iberia admits 'problems with hundreds' of bags in 3 airports

On the last day of the strike among baggage handling staff at airline Iberia, the company has acknowledged “problems with hundreds” of pieces of luggage in three of the 29 airports where the handles passengers' bags. 

The company admitted that the baggage problems have increased in the last couple of hours, especially in the airports of Barcelona, Bilbao, and Gran Canaria, and assured they are “working hard” to ensure that the baggage reaches their owners at the destinations, either by air or by road.

The strike was followed by 16% of staff members by the afternoon. Earlier in the morning, the company said that participation was at 19%.

On the other hand, 81% of flights departed on time, according to the airline.

Last day of strike, for now

Monday is the fourth and final day of the strike. The workers are protesting that the company has ruled out managing its luggage (known as self-handling) at the nine airports where Iberia Airport Services recently lost a tender of airport operator Aena.

On Sunday, the union USO threatened to call another strike among ground staff because of Iberia's "unmoving" attitude during the pre-strike negotiations.