Significant disruption is imminent for British holidaymakers travelling to popular Spanish destinations, as widespread strike action by ground handling staff is set to impact airports across the Canary Islands during the crucial Easter period. Industrial action organised by trade unions representing workers at Menzies and Groundforce will lead to substantial delays at key aviation hubs, directly affecting three major UK tourist hotspots: Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
Strike Dates and Expected Impact
The coordinated strike action, led by the UGT union, is scheduled to commence this weekend on the 28th and 29th of March. Further stoppages are planned for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th of April, coinciding with the peak Easter travel week. Reports indicate that over 1,500 employees throughout the islands are expected to participate, which will almost certainly cause hold-ups in essential ground operations. These disruptions will specifically affect check-in procedures, baggage processing, and collection services, creating significant inconvenience for travellers.
Affected Airports and Airlines
Menzies, which employs a workforce of over 600 in the region, handles operations for several major carriers including Norwegian, British Airways, and EasyJet. The company operates at Gran Canaria, Tenerife North, and Tenerife South airports, as well as at mainland Spanish airports such as Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Málaga, and Alicante. Groundforce, a firm within the Globalia group, provides services to Air Europa and is also involved in the industrial action. The strikes are a response to disputes over pay scales and working conditions for staff, with unions emphasising the need for improved rights and fair implementation of agreements.
Detailed Strike Timetables
The Groundforce industrial action is set to begin on the 27th of March, with walkouts planned for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays across staggered time slots: from 5:00 to 7:00 am, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, and 10:00 pm to midnight. For the Menzies action, Spanish media reports suggest that if no agreement is reached, the strikes could continue every Saturday and Sunday until the 31st of December, following a similar timetable. This potential extension raises the prospect of months of ongoing disruption, affecting not only Easter travel but also summer holidays and beyond.
Preparations and Wider Context
Airports across the Canary Islands are currently bracing themselves for the impact of these strikes, which form part of a nationwide protest in Spain. Close to 900 employees specifically in Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura are facing disruption, highlighting the concentrated effect on areas heavily reliant on UK tourism. The industrial action underscores broader tensions within the aviation sector regarding labour rights and conditions, with unions taking a firm stance to advocate for their members. Travellers are advised to stay informed about potential delays and consider alternative arrangements where possible, as the situation develops over the coming days and weeks.
