Passengers passing through Mallorca’s Palma Airport on Friday have been warned of delays and significant disruption due to a planned protest by workers.
Ground staff will demonstrate between 8am and 12pm on July 25 over what they describe as ‘unsustainable’ working conditions.
The protest is designed to be a warning, with unions threatening an official strike if action is not taken.
The protest, promoted by the Federation of Services, Mobility, and Consumption of the UGT Baleares (Balearic Union of Companies), affects workers subcontracted by airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, Eurowings, Menzies, Groundforce and Swissport.
The unions claim many employees are working on part-time contracts, working ‘excessive’ hours and are overloaded with work that directly affects their health.
Added to these woes are the lack of staff, widespread use of unpaid overtime, inadequate uniforms for the extreme heat and shifts that impede work-life balance, the union added.
The UGT wants a negotiation between airport operator Aena, the Balearic Government and union representatives, with a view to agree on ‘structural improvements and guarantee decent conditions.’
Any strike action by ground staff would prove a nightmare for Palma de Mallorca’s Son Sant Joan Airport, which is one of the busiest in Europe during the summer months.
The union is advising passengers on Friday arrive at the airport well in advance and check the status of their flights with their respective airlines.
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