Barcelona's El Prat Airport faced considerable disruptions on Tuesday, August 4th, as an indefinite strike by ground handling staff commenced. Spanish authorities estimate that up to two million passengers could be affected by the industrial action this summer.
A total of 1,179 employees of the company Groundforce, responsible for passenger check-in, boarding, and flight coordination for numerous airlines at the airport, took part in the first day of the stoppage. Due to staff shortages, Spain's second busiest airport has been forced to cancel several flights.
According to the CGT union, which called the strike for Groundforce staff, the walkout resulted in the cancellation of 16 flights, encompassing both arrivals and departures. Media outlets, however, reported at least 20 flights being cancelled on Tuesday morning.
The Spanish Ministry of Transport had previously warned that approximately two million passengers could be impacted by the stoppage, based on projected summer occupancy figures. The walkout is also contributing to longer queues for check-in, boarding, and baggage claim, as well as general delays for travelers.
In response, the Ministry of Transport has agreed to guarantee minimum services. Specifically, 80 percent of flights between the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla will be guaranteed during August. For flights between Spanish cities and international destinations, as well as between Iberian Peninsula cities where alternative public transport takes more than five hours, the minimum service will be 58 percent. Domestic flights with an alternative transport option of less than five hours will see services reduced to 35 percent.
The CGT union stated that workers are denouncing the "serious deterioration" of occupational health and safety conditions. A spokesperson for the union, Esther García, indicated that they are waiting for the company to agree to talks but are continuing to protest a situation "where the workforce can no longer endure it." The union also blames excessive workloads and a lack of training for new employees, alongside poor working conditions, physical fatigue, stress, unpaid overtime, and insufficient rest periods.
Groundforce employees serve a wide range of international and domestic airlines operating at both terminals of Barcelona airport. These include Air Europa, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, SAS, Air Arabia, Turkish Airlines, ITA Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Croatia Airlines, United Airlines, Finnair, Asiana Airlines, Saudia Airlines, Air China, Air Transat, and Luxair. While Groundforce also provides services at other Spanish airports like Madrid, Alicante, and Valencia, this strike is currently only affecting Barcelona.
Passengers are being advised to check with their airlines ahead of time to confirm their flight status or any schedule changes. It is also advisable to arrive earlier than usual, as the strikes may cause delays. If a flight is cancelled, passengers have the right to choose between a full refund or an alternative flight. While waiting for a new flight, the airline must provide assistance, including food and drink. If the new flight departs the following day or later, accommodation and transportation between the airport and the hotel must also be provided. Some passengers may also be entitled to financial compensation when a cancellation or delay is due to the strike.
Back in March of this year the CCOO, UGT and USO unions also called for an indefinite strike for Groundforce employees for similar reasons.
Another stoppage organised by Swissport workers, scheduled at Palma Airport in Mallorca this summer, was recently called off at the last minute.
