Ground, check-in and boarding staff employed by Groundforce at Barcelona-El Prat Airport are due to begin an indefinite strike at midnight on Tuesday 4 August, the CGT trade union told COPE. The action covers Groundforce operations in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 during the summer holiday period, and could delay flights handled by the company.

Passengers booked with airlines served by Groundforce may face disruption to check-in, boarding or ground operations. Travellers should check their airline’s service updates before setting out for the airport.

CGT cites workloads, overtime and training concerns

CGT said it was maintaining the open-ended action after Groundforce refused to negotiate with the strike committee. The union said it holds a majority on the company’s works council.

The union alleged that Groundforce runs operations with insufficient resources, leaving staff with unsustainable workloads and high turnover. It also cited simultaneous tasks, what it described as excessive use of overtime, inadequate breaks and insufficient training for new recruits.

“Safety and health in the workplace are an inalienable right.”

CGT said it regretted the inconvenience that the action could cause to passengers and air traffic, but described the strike as necessary to seek safe and decent working conditions.

Airlines handled by Groundforce

According to CGT, Groundforce provides handling services for a range of airlines at Barcelona-El Prat. Carriers that could be affected include:

  • Air Europa, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM and Qatar Airways
  • El Al, Etihad Airways, SAS, Air Arabia and Turkish Airlines
  • ITA Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Croatia Airlines and United Airlines
  • Finnair, Asiana Airlines, Saudia Airlines, Air China, Air Transat and Luxair

Groundforce is part of the Globalia group, which also owns Air Europa. Passengers flying with any of the listed carriers should consult their airline directly for flight-status information.

Reported by cope.es.