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Strikes by baggage handlers at Spanish airports set to disrupt travel through December

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Strikes by baggage handlers at Spanish airports set to disrupt travel through December
Policy
Webp 2
Carsten Spohr, CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa | Deutsche Lufthansa

Travelers in Spain are preparing for possible disruptions as more than 3,000 baggage handlers at 12 Spanish airports plan to strike from August 15 to August 17, 2025. The action, reported by the Daily Mail, involves workers employed by Azul Handling, a Ryanair subsidiary. After the initial three-day walkout, strikes will continue every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through December.

The union FeSMC-UGT represents the ground handlers and is voicing concerns over work hours, restrictions on medical leave, and disciplinary measures against employees. "The core demands that the union is focused on are rescinding punitive sanctions, ensuring fair scheduling and consolidation of part-time hours, removing restrictions on medical leave, along with general work-life balance." The union describes the strike as a last resort due to stalled negotiations with Azul Handling.

Ryanair has stated it does not expect major disruptions but advises passengers to check for updates before traveling. "Despite this, the company is also stating that it does not expect significant disruptions." The airline acknowledges the timing comes during a busy travel season.

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The affected airports include Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Valencia, Alicante, Seville, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Girona, Tenerife-South, Lanzarote, and Santiago de Compostela. These locations serve both tourist destinations and business centers in Spain.

Spanish labor law requires some staff presence during strikes to maintain minimal operations. However, service interruptions are still expected to impact passengers and Ryanair’s Spanish operations.

If flights are disrupted due to the strike action at these key airports—where Ryanair maintains major operations—the airline could face financial liabilities related to rebooking flights or compensating travelers. This could add strain for Ryanair and affect its reputation as one of Europe’s leading budget carriers. Spain’s tourism industry may also feel effects from any prolonged disruption.

Labor disputes are currently common in European aviation. In recent years other airlines have faced similar challenges; for example Lufthansa flight attendants staged several strikes before securing a new contract in 2024 (https://simpleflying.com/lufthansa-flight-attendants-strike-contract/).

FeSMC-UGT continues urging Azul Handling to improve working conditions and compensation for its members while seeking further negotiation rather than extended industrial action.

Organizations Included in this History
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