News

A 48-hour strike called by Spanish airline Iberia at midnight on Sunday has caused major disruption to several flights across the country, including a total of 16 flights scheduled to depart from Bilbao’s Loiu airport on Monday. European and Transatlantic flights cancelled on the first day of the strike made up around 20% of the total number of scheduled journeys. Almost half of those flights were destined to depart on land at Madrid’s Barajas airport.

The strike was called by trade unions representing some 4,300 staff, who are calling for an end to a four-year pay freeze. The unions say other Iberia workers, such as pilots, have had wage increases.

Vitoria airport not affected

On the strike’s second day, 14 flights to or from the Basque Country are expected to be cancelled in total: seven from Bilbao to Madrid and another seven returning by the same route.
Flight crew demand pay increase

More than 4000 employees are demanding a pay increase. Cabin crew wages were frozen four years ago although in the meantime pilots’ salaries have been raised.

If despite this week’s wage action there is still no rapprochement between the company and its in-flight staff, unions will convene a further strike on 10th and 11th November. Iberia says affected passengers will be entitled to refunds or tickets on other days.

Minimum service

The Spanish Ministry of Public Works has ensured there are minimum services, which make up around 68.4% of total services.

The Ministry has considered essential all flights to the Canary and Balearic Islands and 50% of in-land flights above a 500 kilometre distance, and 25% of those with a distance inferior to 500 kilometres. 50% of flights of less than 6 hours'' duration are deemed essential while a minimum ''flight only'' service has been fixed for flights longer than 6 hours.