Passengers have been warned of possible disruption if they are heading to Spain this summer. Pilots have planned strike action amid ongoing disputes around working conditions.
The Spanish Union of Airline Pilots (SEPLA) is weighing up more industrial action in the summer months due to tensions with the Spanish Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agency. The union is currently unhappy with the “minimum services” law that requires pilots to report to work to service at a minimum 90% of scheduled flights even while engaged in labour action to protest pay rates.
This means that of about 80 scheduled flights per day that airlines have, only about 18-20 flights are cancelled.
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Currently, Sepla has union representation in Air Nostrum, Air Europa, Iberia, Iberia Express, Vueling, Ryanair, easyJet, Norwegian, Swiftair, Plus Ultra, Jet 2, Eurowings and Evelop.
Secretary General of Sepla, Javier Fernández-Picazo, explained that the measure 'is on the table' but there is still no decision. Sepla is also hoping to involve other groups within the aviation sector, such as cabin crew (TCP) and air traffic controllers, or even those of road transport.
'There are some 14 judgments or resolutions of the National Court that ask the administration not to violate the fundamental right of workers to strike and to respect it,' said Mr. Fernández-Picazo.
On May 8, Sepla announced the call for eight new strike days at Air Europa for May 22, 23, 25, 26, 29 and 30 and June 1 and 2 at all bases and work centres in Spain. Previously, strikes were already held on the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th of this month.
There was major disruption earlier this month when airline workers went on strike in France. Ryanair cancelled 220 flights, equivalent to almost 40,000 seats. British Airways cancelled around 20 flights and easyJet withdrew 28.
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