Spanish Travel Industry Strikes

Summary: Strike action, which was planned by ground staff at major Spanish airports on 18 August 2011 and on 26 August 2011, has been cancelled.

The strikes have been averted after a private baggage handling company at Barcelona's Airport "El Prat" agreed to reinstate four workers who had been made redundant.

Crisis Diverted

The first day of strike action on 18 August 2011 would have coincided with Pope Benedict XVI's arrival in Madrid for a youth day celebration which will see millions of pilgrims travelling to the capital.

Day 2 (26 August 2011) would have seen planes being grounded on one of the busiest days in the travel season (on the day on which many tourists return from their beach holidays).

Last Updated: 10 August 2011

Summary: Strike action by ground staff in Spain will cause delays throughout Spain, and is likely to affect UK travellers.

Delays will be caused by a planned 2 day strike at Spanish airports on 18 August 2011 and on 26 August 2011 which will lead to the strikes taking place at the peak of the holiday season.

Confirmed unions involved in the strikes include:

• USO - Worker's Syndical Union
• UGT - Unión General de Trabajadores
• CCOO - Comisiones Obreras (The Workers' Commissions)

More Information

60,000 ground staff members are threatening to go on the 24-hour walkouts and this is likely to affect the efficient running of Spanish airports. Unions will meet on 17 August 2011 to make the final decision on whether the proposed strikes will take place.

Last Updated: 5 August 2011

Summary: The outbreak of fresh protests yesterday on 4 August are considered to be the most serious occurrence of protest action in Spain since they began in May this year with riot police and protesters clashing.

Protest areas to avoid

• Plaza de Cibeles where a rally took place
• Paseo de la Castellana - demonstrators gathered outside the interior ministry
• Puerta del Sol square - closed by Riot Police for three days due to on-going riots

Travellers are advised to take note of the following:

• 20 people were reported injured, 4 taken to hospital
• Avoid areas where protest action is taking place as they can become violent

Consular Details in Spain

• Address:Torre Espacio, Paseo de la Castellana 259D, 28046 Madrid
• Phone: Tel: 917 146 300, Fax: 917 146 301

What Caused the Protests?

Anti government protesters known as the 'Indignants' gathered across several areas in Madrid to demonstrate their discontent with the government's handling of the economy.