Spanish airline Iberia has canceled more than 400 flights due to a four-day strike by ground service workers scheduled to begin on Friday, the eve of Epiphany, the country’s main holiday.
The flight cancellations will also affect the airline’s low-cost carrier Iberia Express and regional carrier Air Nostrum, affecting more than 45,000 passengers, Iberia said in a statement issued by Spain’s UGT union and CCOO union. The statement came after negotiations with the union ended late Wednesday without an agreement.
Iberia…
Spanish airline Iberia has canceled more than 400 flights due to a four-day strike by ground service workers scheduled to begin on Friday, the eve of Epiphany, the country’s main holiday.
The flight cancellations will also affect the airline’s low-cost carrier Iberia Express and regional carrier Air Nostrum, affecting more than 45,000 passengers, Iberia said in a statement issued by Spain’s UGT union and CCOO union. The statement came after negotiations with the union ended late Wednesday without an agreement.
Iberia’s corporate director, Juan Sierco, said the strike would cause “very significant” disruption to thousands of travelers, forcing them to reschedule flights even if canceled at the last minute. He warned that it was impossible to do so.
In Spain, Christmas presents are traditionally given on January 6th. This day is Epiphany, when Christians remember the visit of the three kings to the baby Jesus, and the night before, colorful parades are held across the country.
Many Spaniards travel to spend this holiday with their families, also known as Three Kings’ Day.
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Iberia’s ground service employees, including baggage handlers, are protesting over a contract signed by state-run airport operator Aena with a new provider.
The new provider has promised to retain Iberia’s staff, but unions are concerned that their working conditions will deteriorate.
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