Spanish Airport Strike Disrupts Easter Travel

Ground staff at 12 major Spanish airports began an indefinite strike on Monday, March 30, disrupting operations during the peak Easter travel period and affecting over a million passengers, including many from the United Kingdom and Ireland. The action, led by unions CCOO, UGT, and USO, targets ground handling services such as baggage management, aircraft turnaround, and boarding at key hubs including Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Alicante-Elche, Palma de Mallorca, and several Canary Islands facilities.

The strikes involve approximately 5,578 workers, primarily from Groundforce, which operates at all 12 airports, along with potential involvement from Menzies staff at select locations. Originally set to start on March 27, the Groundforce walkouts were postponed by three days following weekend negotiations, during which both companies suspended planned stoppages as a goodwill gesture. If no agreement is reached, the action will recur on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in three daily slots: 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 10 p.m. to midnight. Unions have warned of extension to weekends and continuation through December 31 if demands remain...