Third day of strikes by Iberia sees 257 flights cancelled from Madrid

ON the third day of strikes by Iberia staff, 257 flights were cancelled from Madrid.

The strikes against the restructuring of the company has caused more disruption as 86 Iberia flights were cancelled and a firther 88 with Air Nostrum, 19 with Iberia express and 64 with Vueling.

The first day of strikes on Monday February 18 saw 100 per cent participation according to the labour syndicates and only 70 per cent according to the airline company. Minimum services were decided by the Ministry of Public works and there were moments of tension between strikers and police at Barajas (Madrid) airport who detained five people. On Tuesday it was estimated that 90 per cent of workers joined in the strike.

If meetings do not resolve the situation a total of 1,200 flights will be cancelled this week. Pilots and Iberia staff are protesting against the proposed dismissal of more than 3,700 workers.

by SGL