European airports paralyzed. Huge problems for tourists

The Union General de Trabajadoras y Trabajadores (UGT) is one of the two largest Spanish trade unions. Its representatives have just announced that ground service workers at several airports across Spain are planning a protest action.

The difficulties will affect thousands of passengers during the key travel time before Easter and Holy Week, which is very solemnly celebrated on the Iberian Peninsula.

Are airports in Spain completely paralyzed?

Employees of the Menzies group, which is responsible for serving travelers, will go on strike, among others. at the airports in Malaga, Alicante, El Prat in Barcelona, ​​but also on several islands, including in Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Majorca. Trade unionists criticize the company for systematic violations of basic employee rights, in particular the use of overtime regulations.

There is also an ongoing dispute between trade unionists and Groundforce. The conflict concerns primarily financial issues. UGT representatives believe that the regulations have been interpreted in a way unfavorable to employees, which is why instead of the promised 8 percent. they will receive a raise of only 4.5%.

Groundforce employees serve 12 Spanish airports, including: in Barajas in Madrid, El Prat in Barcelona, ​​but also in Bilbao, Valencia, Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Ibiza.

Strike at airports in Spain. We know the details

Spanish law does not allow for a complete suspension of flights, airports must operate at least at a minimum level to avoid paralysis of air traffic.

However, this does not mean that passengers will avoid disruptions. Due to strikes, there may be significant delays in boarding, much longer queues for check-in and security checks, as well as problems with baggage collection. As a result, there may be delays in the flight schedule.

How long will strikes at airports in Spain last?

Another round of talks with Groundforce management is scheduled for March 24. If no agreement is reached, strikes will begin on March 27. Protests will take place three days a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in three time slots: in the morning from 5:00 to 7:00, in the afternoon from 11:00 to 17:00 and from 22:00 to midnight.

At the moment it is not known how long they will last. There is a risk that difficulties will also affect tourists during summer holidays. The strike was announced without a specific end date, and trade unions declare that they can continue it “even until the end of the year.”