Else Beekman
In a major relief for travellers and the aviation sector in Spain, a planned strike by handling staff at Spanish airports has been called off after a last-minute agreement was reached between the industry association Aseata (Asociación de Empresas de Servicios de Asistencia en Tierra en Aeropuertos) and the unions CC OO, UGT, and USO.
The agreement, reached late on Thursday, has averted the industrial action that threatened to disrupt airports nationwide.
A last-minute deal
The threat of strikes loomed over Spanish airports after the unions declared a formal conflict earlier this month. They based this decision on repeated violations by handling companies. These complaints stemmed from what unions described as failures by companies to meet their obligations following the awarding of contracts by Aena in September 2023. According to union representatives, these breaches had a “serious impact” on the handling workers across Spain’s airports.
However, during a critical meeting held on Thursday, the handling companies presented a series of proposals that addressed many of the unions’ concerns. A statement released by the unions expressed satisfaction with the outcome, saying that the companies had finally “taken into account” their demands after sustained pressure from CC OO, UGT, and USO.
The agreement is expected to be formally ratified by both parties through the SIMA (System for Mediation and Arbitration), securing a peaceful resolution to the conflict and ensuring that airport operations continue without disruption.
Industry concerns
The planned strike was initially triggered by a series of disputes following the awarding of new handling contracts by Aena last year. According to the unions, many companies failed to comply with agreed-upon terms, resulting in poor working conditions for handling staff. The unions pointed to issues such as understaffing, unpaid overtime, and inadequate equipment, all of which contributed to an unsustainable working environment.
On October 3, unions formally notified Aseata of their intent to strike, setting the stage for potential airport chaos. However, thanks to continued negotiations, the situation was de-escalated. Consequently, preventing widespread disruptions at Spain’s airports, including popular hubs like Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat.
Constructive dialogue necessary
While the agreement between the handling companies and unions has temporarily resolved the conflict, both sides acknowledge the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue moving forward. The unions have emphasised that the current deal is only the first step in ensuring that workers’ rights are upheld and that handling companies meet their obligations under the new contracts. For now, travellers can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that their journeys through Spanish airports will proceed as planned.