Iberia strike No.4 underway today

 

Following on from Monday's strike, the second of this latest round of one-day strikes on Wednesday has resulted in the cancelation of a total of 104 flights today.

Pilots are striking over the airline's intention to launch a budget airline in March, under the brand Iberia Express, which aims to compete with other carrier on short-haul flights. The 1'600 Pilots, who are members of the SEPLA union, have concerns that this move will lead to job losses - which the airline denies.

As far as today is concerned, Iberia has rescheduled flights for the majority of the estimated 10,000 passengers on long-haul, medium-haul and domestic flights.

Today's strike marks the fourth date of action following the strikes held on the 18th and 29th December, and again on the 9th January. All dates were deliberatley chosen to coincide with periods which would cause maximum disruption to passengers.

Following the end of the previous round of strikes before christmas, SEPLA announced this week's second round of action would take place. It remains to be seen if there will be a third round of strike action or not.

Today's action marks the 24th such strike by Spanish Pilots in 35 years.