A Groundforce strike at Barcelona-El Prat Airport has caused over 2,000 baggage delays in its first week, according to unions. This significant disruption coincides with the busy Easter holiday period, creating extensive queues at Terminal 1 check-in desks for thousands of affected travellers and residents.
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Groundforce provides essential ground handling services for major international airlines operating from Barcelona, including Lufthansa, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways. The indefinite strike by ground staff occurs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Specific strike hours are 5:00 to 7:00, 11:00 to 17:00, and 22:00 to 0:00, impacting flights throughout the day.
Strike Participation and Minimum Services
Unions claim “very high” participation among striking workers. However, they allege an abuse of minimum service requirements imposed by authorities. Authorities officially set these minimum services between 79% and 81% of normal operations. Airport operator Aena, which manages Barcelona-El Prat, advises all affected passengers to contact their respective airlines directly for up-to-date flight and baggage status information. This proactive step helps passengers manage potential travel disruptions.
Union Rejects Sanctions Amidst Dispute
Unions expressed “absolute support” for workers facing sanctions during the ongoing strike. They stated, “We reject these actions which, in no case, contribute to resolving the conflict and represent a pressure element that this strike committee does not accept.” The core of the dispute remains unchanged, focusing on the need to fulfil terms agreed in the collective bargaining agreement. Workers specifically demand the recovery of their purchasing power, which they claim has eroded significantly.
Looking ahead, unions announced plans for further concentrations at various Groundforce workplaces next week. These actions aim to intensify their demands and pressure for a swift and fair resolution to the labour conflict. The ongoing situation continues to affect travel plans for many.
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Originally published by betevé. Read original article.
