EasyJet strike for North sunseekers
Sunday, August 9, 2009 @ 5:49 PM
THOUSANDS of North sunseekers are facing holiday misery after airport baggage handlers agreed to strike.
EasyJet ground staff at four Spanish airports are set to walk out on three Saturdays this month, starting next Saturday.
Unions in Spain who have called for the 24-hour action say as many as 100 flights a day could be affected, including 11 flights to and from Newcastle International Airport.
In total 33 flights to and from the city could be effected over the three days, potentially causing chaos for more than 6600 holidaymakers destined to travel between the popular resorts.
They include six daily flights – two each bound for Alicante, Palma in Majorca and Malaga – while five easyJet flights are set to depart the three destinations on August 15, August 22 and August 29.
The action has been sparked by ground workers at the airports, who are unhappy about their wages, hours, rest periods and holidays.
Negotiations between the Comisiones Obreras union and easyJet have been going on for 18 months but the issues are no nearer being settled.
Andrew McConnell, communications manager for easyJet, said: “The company has been notified of a call for industrial action by its ground handling agents in several Spanish airports.
“Check-in agents as well as easyJet pilots and cabin crew members are not involved in this possible industrial action.
“easyJet is working hard to minimise the impact any action may have on its customers.”
A Newcastle International Airport spokeswoman said disruption for outgoing passengers should not be a problem, but they could not provide a picture of the disruption which could meet them on the Continent.
She said: “We’re confident passengers will get away on the flights as normal.”
The possible disruption follows the travel chaos which followed a terrorist attack in Majorca 10 days ago.
A car bomb, which killed two police officers, caused authorities to shut-down the holiday island in a bid to catch the fleeing terrorists.
Flights were grounded, leaving tourists trapped in the departure lounge.
Source: The Sunday Sun