Air traffic control strike threat in August
Air traffic controllers in Spain are today expected to vote for strike action as a protest to changes in working hours, pay, and conditions. Strike action could start as early as the 15 August, as the law states that 10 days notice are required before any action may be taken. This would hit Mallorca extremely badly as this co-incides with the busiest holiday period of the year.
The airport sees 107,000 passengers pass through it's doors each day during August. Tourism chiefs on the island are concerned that any strike will has a devastating impact on tourism, which has already suffered this year through disruption caused by the Icelandic volcanic ash, and the rise in VAT. They are calling on the government to reach an agreement with the air traffic controllers to prevent further economic damage.
A spokesman for the air traffic controllers has said that the changes in working practices will mean decreased safety for air passengers.
Earlier last month, air traffic controllers in Barcelona staged a suspected pseudo-strike when a third of the employees failed to report for work, claiming to be ill. The dispute has been running since February, when the government stopped the 'incomprehensible privileges' that air traffic controllers enjoyed.
