The stoppages, which are indefinite for Groundforce, began this Monday after last-minute negotiations over the weekend failed. This action could lead to significant flight delays, especially during Easter Week, a period of high demand.
The affected companies provide services to prominent airlines at El Prat Airport, such as Air Europa and Lufthansa. Groundforce increased its presence at the airport in 2023 after winning the public handling tender promoted by Aena, which reshaped the ground services market.
Aena recommends checking flight status as the strike may cause chain delays in ground services and affect the departure of various flights.
The strikes are scheduled in three time slots: from five to seven in the morning, from eleven in the morning to five in the afternoon, and from ten at night until midnight. Despite the strike, according to Europa Press data, activity at El Prat airport is only expected to decrease by 0.9%.
The Ministry of Transport has decreed 100% minimum services for some flights, especially emergency operations, those of the ministry itself, and those heading to the Canary Islands or the Balearic Islands. This measure has been criticized by the convening unions, UGT, CCOO, and USO, who consider it abusive and an attempt to curtail the right to strike. The unions denounce the loss of purchasing power of workers and the companies' non-compliance with the labor agreement.
During Easter Week, between March 30 and April 6, El Prat Airport is scheduled to handle 11,339 movements, a 2% increase from the previous year. Across Aena's network of airports in Spain, a total of 70,505 flights are expected during this period.
