Potential Disruption for Travelers in the Canary Islands This Easter
As Easter approaches, holidaymakers planning to travel to and from the Canary Islands are facing potential disruptions due to impending strikes by airport ground handling staff. This industrial action, which includes critical services such as check-in, baggage handling, and aircraft assistance, follows unsuccessful negotiations between unions and employers.
Who’s Affected?
The strikes will involve workers from Groundforce and Menzies Aviation, impacting major airlines like easyJet, Jet2, and AER Lingus. Over 1,500 employees across the islands have been called to participate in the strikes, which unions attribute to ongoing breaches of pay and working conditions.
The Union’s Standpoint
According to the Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT) in the Canary Islands, the situation is complex, involving what they describe as “two parallel strikes.” Currently, no minimum service levels have been confirmed, raising concerns about the extent of disruption that travelers may face.
Indefinite Action at Key Airports
For Groundforce staff, the unions claim that the company has failed to properly implement a wage protection clause outlined in the collective agreement. They argue that wages should have increased by approximately 7.82%, but only a 4.58% increase has been applied.
The strikes linked to Groundforce are set to commence on Friday, March 27th, and will continue indefinitely at airports in Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. Walkouts are scheduled three times a day—early morning, midday, and late evening—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. However, travelers should be aware that disruptions could occur even outside these hours due to a “domino effect.”
Key Dates for Disruption
In addition to the Groundforce strikes, Menzies Aviation staff will also be participating in industrial action. This will affect operations at Tenerife North Airport, Tenerife South Airport, and Gran Canaria. Planned 24-hour strikes are set for March 28th and 29th, as well as April 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th, coinciding with the busy Easter travel period.
Unions have cited several grievances, including unpaid wages, payroll errors, poor shift planning, and excessive unpaid overtime, as the main reasons for the strikes.
Job Concerns Heighten Tensions
The situation is further complicated by ongoing negotiations regarding a potential redundancy scheme at Gran Canaria Airport. This scheme could lead to full-time contracts being reduced to part-time for up to two years, a move that unions strongly oppose. They question the justification for such changes, especially if companies continue to rely on temporary staff and overtime.
Risk of Ongoing Disruption
Union representatives have stated that the strikes are a result of repeated failures by companies to honor previous agreements. They warn that the action could be extended if no progress is made in negotiations. Given that ground handling staff are responsible for essential airport operations, it is crucial for travelers to stay informed.
Travel Tips for Passengers
Travelers planning to visit the Canary Islands during this period are advised to check with their airlines for updates and allow extra time at airports. With the potential for significant disruptions, being proactive can help mitigate the stress of travel during this busy season.
As the situation develops, it remains essential for passengers to stay vigilant and prepared for any changes that may arise in their travel plans.
