Air traffic controllers reach agreement with AENA

The threat of strikes is over now a deal has been agreed between the Spanish air traffic controllers and the management AENA. The union met with the airport management company late on Thursday evening and negotiations brought a deal that was acceptable to both parties.

Talks between the two sides had started in February this year when the Spanish government announced that it would be cutting budgets in response to Spain's economic situation. It was revealed that the average salary of the air traffic controllers was £290,000 (compared to the average UK salary of £60,000 to £90,000) and that they were enjoying 'incomprehensible privileges'. The government cut their pay by 40% to an average of £167,000 per annum. The union hit back by saying that the proposed change of working hours and reduced overtime pay would mean that their members would be forced to work excessively long hours which would impact air safety.

The agreed deal brings the Spanish working conditions in to line with other European countries and brings an acceptable work-family life balance to the air traffic controllers. The deal will now be taken to the union's general assembly for final approval.

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