A four hour strike today by Italian air controllers will result in some disruption to flights between Italy and Spain, with Iberia already having cancelled four flights.
175 air traffic controllers denounced for sedition
The Public Prosecutor in Madrid has submitted 175 denuncias in connection with the strike by air traffic controllers in December to the Dean of the Court of First Instance in order for the Court to cite the defendants to testify.
Air traffic controllers refusing to testify
Twelve air traffic controllers charged with sedition following the wildcat strike have invoked their right not to testify because they contend that the matter falls under military jurisdiction following the declaration by the government of a ‘state of alert’.
AENA initiates disciplinary proceedings against wildcat strikers
The airport authority AENA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against 442 workers who took part in the wildcat strike which closed Spanish airspace for a total of eighteen hours on Friday and Saturday.
Strike is over, but it was costly
It is estimated that the wildcat strike by air traffic controllers, a brilliant way to help an ailing and crippled economy with over four million unemployed, will cost the Spanish tourist industry around €250 million.
Iberia cancels all flights for Saturday
The airline Iberia has cancelled all flights for Saturday December 4th as a result of the wildcat strike by air traffic controllers and advise passengers not to turn up at airports. They are hoping to resume flights on Sunday.
Military take over Spanish airports
The Spanish military has taken over the country’s air traffic control after civilian air traffic controllers called in sick en masse and will maintain control over planning, supervision and control of the country’s airspace unless the controllers called off their unsanctioned strike.
USCA and AENA reach an agreement
The Union of Air Traffic Controllers, USCA, and the Airport Authority, AENA, have signed a basic agreement which removes the threat of industrial action and paves the way for further talks.
Talks resume
Talks have resumed between the Union of Air Traffic Controllers (USCA) and AENA, but now without the threat of strike action hanging over proceedings like a Damoclean sword.
No strike
The air traffic controllers have decided no to go ahead with strike action in August.