Iberia has cancelled over 100 flights today due to the pilots strike called by the union SEPLA in protest at the company’s plans to start a low cost airline, Iberia Express, in March 2012. A second day of industrial action is planned for Monday.
SEPL argue that the decision to set up a separate low cost airline, Iberia Express, to cover short and medium haul flights is illegal and will mean the loss of 5,000 jobs.
According to the president of Iberia, Antonio Vázquez, there will be neither job losses nor salary reductions for staff and, in fact, another 500 jobs will be created as a result of the venture.
Iberia has made arrangements with RENFE and ALSA to transport passengers affected by the strikes and has booked 9,000 hotel rooms near Barajas airport in Madrid. Those most affected by the strike are expected to be transit passengers.
A total of nine flights to or from airports in Andalucia have been cancelled today, these being flights to or from Madrid. Ten flights between Madrid and Barcelona have also been cancelled.