British tourists travelling to or from Majorca this week face prolonged delays after baggage handlers at Palma Airport began a series of strikes.
Swissport workers walked out on Friday and Saturday and are due to stage further industrial action on Tuesday, August 4, and Saturday, August 8. The stoppages run from 7am to midday and again from 7pm to 10pm.
Long waits are expected at baggage reclaim at Spain's third-busiest airport, with the knock-on effect potentially causing missed connections and disrupted holiday schedules.
Why are Swissport workers striking?
The baggage handlers deal with luggage for a large share of flights bringing millions of visitors to the island each summer. They are seeking an inflation-matching pay rise, but talks between the company and union representatives collapsed on July 24, raising the possibility of further walkouts if the issues are not resolved.
Anti-tourism protests on the island
The strikes came just days after a large anti-tourism demonstration on the island. According to The Express, the previous Sunday saw a protest organised by the group Menys Turisme, Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life), which told the Majorca Daily Bulletin that the Balearic island is "at breaking point" because of mass tourism.
Authorities in Majorca have raised prices in a bid to make the island more exclusive and have invested €1.2m in technology designed to manage crowds. However, campaigners claim more change is needed, and protesters fear the ongoing redevelopment of Palma Airport will increase capacity for tourists rather than reduce pressure on local infrastructure and housing.
Advice for passengers
While airlines and tour operators have not yet issued formal advice, The Express reports that passengers due to fly on the strike days are advised to allow extra time at the airport and to check the status of their flights and baggage arrangements before departure.
