Skytanking Workers Announce Strike
Aircraft refueling employees at El Prat Airport, specifically Skytanking workers, have announced a strike that could have a significant impact on airport operations. This protest action is scheduled to begin on October 20 and could last for three months, until January 20, if an agreement is not reached before that date. Skytanking plays a crucial role in supplying fuel to approximately 140 flights per day, according to union data.
Possible Consequences for Travelers
Possible Consequences for TravelersTravelers who have flight plans during this period should be prepared for possible travel disruptions, particularly during the Christmas vacation season. The strike could result in flight delays and cancellations, which would negatively affect passengers.
Recommendations for Affected Travelers
To minimize the inconvenience caused by the Skytanking workers’ strike, here are some key recommendations for travelers:
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Travelers are strongly advised to regularly check the status of their flights. Airlines can provide updated information on delays or cancellations. Staying informed is essential to adapt travel plans as needed.
Contact the Airlines:
In case of flight disruptions, travelers should contact the airline they are scheduled to fly with. Airlines may provide information on possible changes to reservations or the possibility of refunds.
Preparing for Change:
The airport authority will determine minimum services closer to the start of the strike, so it is essential that travelers stay informed and be prepared for possible changes to their travel plans.
The Skytanking Conflict
This conflict between Skytanking’s management and its workforce has been going on for several months. The workers are demanding an upward wage revision, as their salaries have remained frozen since 2019. In addition, Skytanking employees earn less than their counterparts at two other corporations operating at El Prat Airport, Exolum and SCLA. As reported by the UGT, an average Skytanking worker earns around €1,500 gross per month, compared to €1,800 at the other two companies. While Exolum and SCLA workers are governed by their own company agreements, which offer more favorable conditions, Skytanking workers are governed by a blocked sector agreement. The unions consider the 5% wage increase proposed by the company to be insufficient, as it does not cover even a third of the price increases of the last four years.
Mediation to Avoid a Strike
A mediation is scheduled for October 17 at the Departament de Treball de la Generalitat in the hope of resolving the conflict and avoiding a strike. Ultimately, the resolution of this dispute will have a direct impact on the travel experience of passengers using El Prat Airport, and its outcome remains uncertain.
Aena Responds to Union Concerns at Spanish Airports After Handling Competition Resolution
In a scenario marked by the recent resolution of the handling tender at Spanish airports, which has given way to foreign operators and reduced the presence of local companies such as Iberia, Aena, Spain’s leading airport manager, is in full action to address the concerns raised by the sector’s workers’ unions. Union mobilization has become a hot topic, and Aena is taking steps to ensure that the employee subrogation process is carried out in accordance with the 5th Ground Handling Services Sector Agreement.
In a press release issued yesterday, October 13, Aena has reminded the awarded companies of their obligation to strictly comply with the 5th Ground Handling Services Sector Agreement. at all stages of the employee subrogation process, as well as during the entire leave period. This statement comes in response to growing concerns expressed by the handling workers’ unions, who fear that the resolution of the tender will have an adverse impact on the working conditions of employees in the sector.
As established in the V Agreement of the Ground Handling Services Sector.
The V Ground Handling Services Sector Agreement establishes the standards and regulations governing handling operations at Spanish airports. Among other provisions, the agreement regulates the rights and responsibilities of the contracting companies, as well as the rights and protections of the workers. Aena, as the regulatory entity in charge of supervising airport operations, is committed to ensuring that companies comply with the provisions of this agreement at all times.
Aena has stressed that failure to comply with the V Agreement of the Ground Handling Services Sector could lead to the withdrawal of the handling license of the awarded companies. This measure not only protects the interests of workers in the sector, but also guarantees the continuity of a quality and safe service at Spanish airports.
Resolution of the handling tender: the subject of intense debate
The resolution of the handling tender has been the subject of intense debate in the Spanish aviation sector. While it has allowed the entry of foreign operators, which could boost competition and innovation, it has also raised legitimate concerns among workers who fear for their jobs and working conditions. Aena, as a crucial intermediary in this process, strives to balance the interests of the awarded companies and the rights of the workers, ensuring that the rules and regulations in force are rigorously complied with.
