Ryanair ground staff in Spain plans to go on strike in August, leading to disruptions in flights; check for any updates affecting your flight schedule.
In a significant development, the General Union of Workers (UGT) has announced a state-wide strike at Azul Handling, a part of the Ryanair group. The strike, which is set to take place from August 15, 2022, and continues until December 31, 2025, could potentially impact Spanish airports through disruptions in ground handling services.
The Union's Demands
The union is calling on Azul Handling to withdraw the sanctions, comply with the rulings of the agreement, and open real negotiations to improve the working conditions of more than 3,000 workers throughout the country. The union's primary concerns include the lack of consolidation of working hours for permanent part-time staff, the imposition of additional hours under duress, and excessive disciplinary measures. Furthermore, UGT accuses Azul Handling of ongoing breaches of the Joint Committee of the Sectoral Agreement's recommendations on economic guarantees and pay bonuses.
Strike Details
The strike will initially take place on August 15, 16, and 17, in three time slots: from 05:00 to 09:00, from 12:00 to 15:00, and from 21:00 to 23:59. The strike will continue every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until December 31, 2025.
Potential Impacts
The strike could lead to delays and cancellations for flights at the affected Spanish airports. Here are the key potential impacts and possible updates to flight schedules during this period:
Delays and Flight Cancellations:
- Ground operations delays can lead to late departures and arrivals.
- Some flights may be canceled if handling services cannot be provided efficiently.
Reduced Operational Capacity:
- Limited availability of ground staff may reduce the number of flights that can be managed daily.
- Priority might be given to major airlines or long-haul flights, affecting smaller carriers.
Passenger Experience:
- Longer wait times for baggage claim and check-in.
- Possible overcrowding in terminals due to slower processing.
Airline Operational Changes:
- Airlines may adjust schedules to accommodate handling delays.
- Some might reroute flights to airports not affected by Azul Handling services.
Schedule Updates and Recommendations for Travelers
- Airlines and airports will likely provide updated schedules closer to departure dates, reflecting handling capacity.
- More frequent real-time updates via airline websites and airport information systems.
- Some airlines may reduce flight frequencies or adjust timings to reduce impact.
- Check flight status regularly leading up to and on the day of travel.
- Arrive earlier at airports to accommodate slower processing times.
- Stay informed through official airline and airport communication channels.
If you are traveling to or from any of the affected airports - Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Alicante, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Girona, Tenerife South, Lanzarote, and Santiago de Compostela - you are advised to check with Ryanair if your flight will be affected.
The Air Sector of FeSMC-UGT has requested mediation from the Interconfederal Service of Mediation and Arbitration (SIMA) to open talks before any industrial action. Azul Handling provides ground handling services to Ryanair group airlines at numerous Spanish airports. José Manuel Pérez Grande, federal secretary of the FeSMC-UGT air union, stated that Azul Handling maintains a strategy of precariousness and pressure on the workforce that violates basic labour rights and systematically ignores union demands.
In response to the union's primary concerns, such as the inconsistent working hours and excessive discipline, travelers might experience disruptions in their plans due to potential flight delays, cancellations, reduced operational capacity, and longer wait times at several Spanish airports during the strike period. Travelers are advised to closely monitor Ryanair's flight updates and check-in earlier to accommodate slower processing times. Furthermore, considering the possibility of mediation to resolve the ongoing dispute between the union and Azul Handling, travelers might also want to consider adjusting their travel plans or exploring alternative options for airports that are not affected by the Azul Handling services strike.
