Latest news with #UGT
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Exact date tourists face Majorca chaos as airport comes to 'total standstill'
Striking workers say they will paralyse the airport for at least three hours after accusing bosses of failing to respect their rights and provide adequate equipment Mallorca airport facing "total standstill" as a protest is expected to bring services to a halt on Friday. Furious staff have called for the major protest and intend to paralyse the airport for at least three hours on July 25th. The disruption could lead to cancellations, massive queues and delays on domestic and international flights. The union recommends that passengers go to the airport earlier and check the status of their flights with their respective airlines. The workers are banded together under the UGT trade union, which is demonstrating against "suffocating" working conditions. Among their demands is the creation of a negotiation group including Spain's airport authority, Aena, the government and employee representatives. UGT has called for a rally at Palma airport on July 25 to denounce what it describes as a "situation of unsustainable precariousness" in the Balearic air sector. The protest will last for about three hours and aims to make visible the working conditions which they claim are deplorable. The unions say companies contracted in to carry out various services are "abusing" their rights. They claim staff aren't treated properly, holiday allocations are incorrect and there is no career progression. The unions are also demanding the addition of qualified personnel in supervisory and management roles, as well as the provision of adequate vehicles and work tools, especially in light of the high temperatures. They say staff need uniforms which "respect their dignity", with clothing adapted to adverse weather conditions, such as raincoats for days of heavy rain. UGT has directly accused companies such as Swissport, Groundforce, Menzies, Easyjet, Pasarelas, Eurowings, Jet2, Ryanair and South, among others, of labour practices which it considers "close to exploitation". The improvements being carried out at the airport also come under fire, with the unions saying construction work appears to be endless and is having a negative impact on the health and safety of staff. The union is also demanding free parking for the workers and the opening of a new cafeteria for staff with affordable prices. The UGT says it holds the airport authority AENA responsible for all the shortcomings and warns that unless it steps up talks to resolve the issues, the protests will continue. The union has already found an ally in the Balearic government which last week demanded urgent action over the airport after admitting "the accumulation of incidents" is doing nothing for its tourism reputation. Officials say delays, cancellations and overbooking at Palma airport in Mallorca are causing a growing volume of complaints and "generate widespread discomfort and project a very negative image of the islands." They have also complained about long waits at security controls and the continuing works at the airport, together with the "collapse in accesses and transit areas." The consumer affairs department of the Government of the Balearic Islands has told the Directorate General of Civil Aviation its concern about the situation that Palma airport is going through in the middle of the high season, as well as the accumulation of incidents in air traffic that directly affect residents and tourists. "From Consumer Affairs, it is stressed that air traffic in the Balearic Islands is not only key for tourism but also an essential public service for the connectivity of citizens, especially in an island territory such as the Balearic Islands. However, delays, cancellations and overbooking cause a growing volume of complaints, generate widespread discomfort and project a very negative image of the islands," said a spokesperson for the government. "The Consumer Affairs Department of the Ministry of Health considers it essential that the competent aviation authorities are extremely vigilant and control during the high season and ensure compliance with European Regulation 261/2004, which protects the rights of passengers in the event of service interruptions." "Likewise, the General Directorate denounces that the execution of works at Palma airport in the middle of high season generates a context of general discomfort, collapse in accesses and transit areas, and long waits at security controls, with direct damage to both passengers and staff working in the facilities." "For all these reasons, Consumer Affairs calls on the central government to adopt measures to guarantee the proper functioning of air traffic in the Balearic Islands and protect the rights of passengers and the safety of users."
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Fears of CHAOS at start of summer hols as major Spain airport ‘to be paralysed' by staff protests on key travel day
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHAOS may strike Brits' summer holiday plans as a major Spanish airport could be "paralysed" by staff protests. Palma airport in Majorca is being targeted by furious staff who are threatening to bring it to a standstill on July 25th for four hours. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Locals across Spain have been protesting against mass tourism for months Credit: Getty 5 Workers say they are 'abused' at work by the conditions Credit: Alamy 5 Staff at Palma de Mallorca Airport in Majorca are threatening to strike Credit: Alamy Staff have slammed "suffocating" working conditions there and are set to down tools as part of a strike by members of the UGT trade union. Workers say they have their rights "abused" with "inhumane" work shifts, including stolen holidays, mistreatment, and no career progression. They also say they're given the wrong clothing for the hot summer temperatures on the island. They're not given rain coast for the rain and say their uniforms don't "respect their dignity". Read more on world news BLAZE CHAOS Wildfires rip across Spain turning Madrid skies ORANGE as army deployed Now they're preparing to "paralyse" the airport threatening Brit holidaymakers with flight cancellation and delays. Summer holidays begin next Thursday for most and many kids and their parents will be taking a hard earned break to the holiday hotspot. The workers have accused some of the best known aviation companies of treating them badly, including: Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet, Swissport, Eurowings, and Menzies. Staff have also taken aim at what they see if endless improvements at the airport. They say the construction zone is bad for their health and also say it poses a risk to safety. The UGT is also demanding free parking for workers and the opening of a new cafeteria with cheap prices. Fights erupt amid Spain travel CHAOS as airport passport control 'collapses' Workers are pinning the airport operator Aena responsible for the shortcoming and said if it doesn't make sure demands are met the "tone of the protest" will be raised. The Balearic government last week demanded urgent action over the airport after admitting "the accumulation of incidents" is doing nothing for its tourism reputation. Officials say delays, cancellations and overbooking at Palma airport in Mallorca are causing a growing volume of complaints and "generate widespread discomfort and project a very negative image of the islands." They have also complained about long waits at security controls and the continuing works at the airport, together with the "collapse in accesses and transit areas." 5 The airport protest comes as Brits have not been the most welcome visitors to the island Credit: Darren Fletcher 5 Brits could be left in massive queues by the strike Credit: EPA Its the latest Spanish curveball hitting Brits holidays this summer with fuming locals also protesting. Fuming locals are pushing back against what they see as "overtourism" by squirting holidaymakers with water guns. Campaigners blame excessive levels of tourism for forcing locals out of affordable housing, raising the cost of living and making the city centres unusable. Protests across Spain last month saw thousands take to the street and demand their cities "back". Around 100 noisy activists banging drums surrounded upmarket eatery Cappuccino Borne next to a McDonald's in the centre of Palma after their protest finished. Police moved in to ease tension as the demonstrators held up cardboard posters reading: 'As You Come I Have To Go.' Strikes are also ongoing in Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca with hospitality staff stopping work. They're also part of the UGT union and are demanding higher wages and fewer hours.
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
Fears of CHAOS at start of summer hols as major Spain airport ‘to be paralysed' by staff protests on key travel day
CHAOS may strike Brits' summer holiday plans as a major Spanish airport could be "paralysed" by staff protests. Palma airport in Majorca is being targeted by furious staff who are threatening to bring it to a standstill on July 25th for four hours. 5 5 5 Staff have slammed "suffocating" working conditions there and are set to down tools as part of a strike by members of the UGT trade union. Workers say they have their rights "abused" with "inhumane" work shifts, including stolen holidays, mistreatment, and no career progression. They also say they're given the wrong clothing for the hot summer temperatures on the island. They're not given rain coast for the rain and say their uniforms don't "respect their dignity". Now they're preparing to "paralyse" the airport threatening Brit holidaymakers with flight cancellation and delays. Summer holidays begin next Thursday for most and many kids and their parents will be taking a hard earned break to the holiday hotspot. The workers have accused some of the best known aviation companies of treating them badly, including: Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet, Swissport, Eurowings, and Menzies. Staff have also taken aim at what they see if endless improvements at the airport. They say the construction zone is bad for their health and also say it poses a risk to safety. The UGT is also demanding free parking for workers and the opening of a new cafeteria with cheap prices. Workers are pinning the airport operator Aena responsible for the shortcoming and said if it doesn't make sure demands are met the "tone of the protest" will be raised. The Balearic government last week demanded urgent action over the airport after admitting "the accumulation of incidents" is doing nothing for its tourism reputation. Officials say delays, cancellations and overbooking at Palma airport in Mallorca are causing a growing volume of complaints and "generate widespread discomfort and project a very negative image of the islands." They have also complained about long waits at security controls and the continuing works at the airport, together with the "collapse in accesses and transit areas." 5 5 Its the latest Spanish curveball hitting Brits holidays this summer with fuming locals also protesting. Fuming locals are pushing back against what they see as "overtourism" by squirting holidaymakers with water guns. Campaigners blame excessive levels of tourism for forcing locals out of affordable housing, raising the cost of living and making the city centres unusable. Protests across Spain last month saw thousands take to the street and demand their cities "back". Around 100 noisy activists banging drums surrounded upmarket eatery Cappuccino Borne next to a McDonald's in the centre of Palma after their protest finished. Police moved in to ease tension as the demonstrators held up cardboard posters reading: 'As You Come I Have To Go.' Strikes are also ongoing in Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca with hospitality staff stopping work. They're also part of the UGT union and are demanding higher wages and fewer hours. What is "overtourism"? OVERTOURISM refers to the phenomenon where a destination experiences a volume of tourists that exceeds its manageable capacity The term is often used to describe the negative consequences of mass tourism, which includes overcrowding and environmental issues As a result, popular destinations have become less enjoyable for both visitors and locals Local communities, in particular, bear the brunt, facing rising costs and a depletion of resources In response, national and local governments have started to implement measures to reduce overtourism. Some solutions include:
The Irish Sun
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Spain hol chaos latest after fuming locals threaten to BLOCK busy airport amid protest mayhem & ‘tourist go home' alert
SPANISH union bosses have issued an update after threatening to launch strikes in hotels across the Balearic Islands this month. The unions 7 Demonstrators take part in a protest against mass tourism in Palma last month Credit: AFP via Getty Images 7 Protests against overtourism have erupted across Spain since April 2024 Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images 7 Spanish union bosses threatened to blockade Palma's busy airport later this month Credit: Getty Images And hotels, restaurants and clubs in the The unions announcement yesterday of chaos-causing demos in airport arrivals and departures led to last-minute talks with employer representatives and a 13.5 pay increase offer union bosses accepted. And, just hours after threatening to blockade the airport on July 10, union bosses confirmed they have called off the Balearic Islands hotel strike that was due to affect Irish holidaymakers. UGT Balears, one of the two main unions behind the planned walkout over five days in July, confirmed overnight: "The strike in the hotel and catering sector has been called off following the pre-agreement between us and hotel bosses for the new collective agreement. READ MORE IN TRAVEL 'Salary increase of 13.5 per cent in three years, the largest increase in the history of the Balearic Islands." The Majorca Hotel Business Federation confirmed around the same time: "An agreement in principle has been reached and the UGT has agreed to desist from the strikes it had announced and cancel them." Second union CCOO is now expected to come on board along with employer representatives in the bar-restaurant and nightclub sectors which would also have been affected by strikes although to a lesser degree. The final agreement sealing the eleventh-hour deal is expected to be signed next week. Most read in News Travel The airport blockade threat is thought to have been key to the decision of unions and hotel employer representatives in Majorca to start negotiating again after the breakdown of talks and strike announcements last Thursday. Emergency alarm raised at Majorca airport after roof collapses The UGT announced around midday yesterday a demonstration at Palma airport would take place on the first day of planned strike action on July 10 'in both the departures and arrivals areas.' It added in a statement: 'The aim is to 'block these accesses' to the Balearic capital's aerodrome.' It also announced demonstrations in other key tourists areas including Walkouts involving an expected 180,000 hotel and catering sector workers in The salary rise over three years will see workers get six per cent extra this year, four per cent next and 3.5 per cent in 2027. 7 Hotel workers in the Balearics earn less than the average hospitality worker in Spain Credit: Getty Images 7 Protesters chant slogans at tourists as National Police officers stand guard in Palma Credit: REUTERS/Francisco Ubilla Last week an eleventh-hour deal was announced to avert the threat of hotel strike action in The lifting of the strike threat in the Balearic Islands is not expected to impact on A massive anti-tourist demonstration took place in Around 100 noisy activists banging drums surrounded upmarket eatery Cappuccino Borne next to a McDonald's in the centre of Palma after their protest finished. of dining tourists and chanted "go home" and "go to hell ". Police moved in to ease tension as the demonstrators held up cardboard posters reading: 'As You Come, I Have To Go.' The protestors also chanted ''The Streets Will Always Be Ours', Go Home' in English and 'No Balconing' in a reference to the young tourists who have traditionally been blamed by islanders for the dangerous practice of jumping from Magaluf hotel balconies into their swimming pools or trying to climb between balconies while under the influence of drink and drugs. The Balearics Islands Government vice-president Antoni Costa said afterwards their behaviour had been 'unacceptable.' 7 The streets of Majorca have seen a number of protests against overtourism since the start of the year Credit: REUTERS/Francisco Ubilla 7 Demonstrators hold 'For sale' signs during a protest against mass tourism in Palma last month Credit: Getty Images
Scottish Sun
30-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Exact July date not to fly to or from Majorca as striking hotel workers unveil plans for devastating airport blockade
Chaos may be in store for thousands of holidaymakers flying in and out of the Balearics HOLIDAY NIGHTMARE Exact July date not to fly to or from Majorca as striking hotel workers unveil plans for devastating airport blockade Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOTEL workers are planning to blockade Majorca's airport in a major protest over pay and conditions that could throw holidays into chaos. It comes as over 180,000 workers in the Balearic Islands announced plans to strike on multiple dates throughout July. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Hotel workers are planning a blockade on Majorca's airport on the first day of strikes Credit: Alamy 6 People march during a protest against overtourism in the Balearic Island of Majorca Credit: AP 6 Hotel workers in the Balearics earn less than the average hospitality worker in Spain Credit: Rex Unions say the goal of the airport blockade is to prevent entry and access points to the Balearics, which include Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca. The blockade is scheduled for July 10 - the first day of the Balearics' anti-tourism strikes. Walkouts will be repeated on July 18, 19, 25 and 31, with each one lasting the full 24 hours. A general strike in the hospitality sector, along with demonstrations across the Balearics' three main islands, was officially announced by the UGT union on Monday. The measure - carried out jointly with the CCOO union (Workers' Commissions) - will affect hotels, tourist accommodation, bars, restaurants, catering services, nightclubs and nightclubs. Both the Government Delegation and tourism bosses are reportedly aware of the looming strikes and protests. On July 10, marches in Majorca will begin at the Paseo Marítimo de Palma (at the height of Titos) and the Son Sant Joan Airport. Access points for arrivals and departures at Playa de Palma (Las Maravillas), Alcudia, Magaluf and Cala Millor will be blocked. The UGT is calling on nearly 180,000 workers to join these strikes. The goal is to put pressure on the hospitality sector to improve pay and working conditions. 6 Anti-tourist protesters blast holidaymakers with water guns & block hotels Workers in the Balearics are paid less than the average hospitality worker in Spain, according to the CCOO. The strike alert was triggered on June 26 after unions walked out of talks over disagreements on pay raises and better working conditions. The UGT rejected an offer for an 11 percent salary increase, saying the gap between their demands and the employers' proposal was still "too great". José García Relucio, General Secretary of the Federation of Services, Mobility and Consumption of UGT, said the talks "could not have gone worse" and condemned employers' inflexibility around pay. Meanwhile, Javier Vich, President of the Hotel Business Federation of Majorca, blamed unions for failing to meet a compromise. But he added that employers were making "all the necessary efforts" to reach a "fair" agreement with workers. The union CCOO says that it will not sign below a 15 percent wage increase. Employers also rejected the UGT's proposal to reduce workers' hours to 35 per week. The UGT representatives left the meeting without signing the minutes of the session, while those from the CCOO signed the document. It comes as the streets of Majorca have seen a number of protests against overtourism since the start of the year. In June, anti-tourist protestors swarmed a table of dining Brits and chanted "go home" and "go to hell". Officers were called to the scene in central Palma. Meanwhile, one Majorcan resident revealed a new, more insidious tactic deployed by locals to keep tourists out of popular beaches. Explaining the trick in a video online, she said locals are making up names for "secret" coves that are actually "dangerous" parts of the city located miles away from the coast. 6 Protests against overtourism have erupted across Spain since April 2024 Credit: Reuters 6 Demonstrators gather during an anti-tourist protest in Barcelona Credit: Reuters
