A walkout by security check workers at Spain’s busiest airport caused huge queues over the weekend, with waiting times of more than an hour and a half for thousands of passengers. The stoppages are expected to continue.
The stoppage began on Sunday September 14th, resulting in many travellers missing their scheduled flights. The strike action has carried over to Monday September 15th, with yet more delays.
Passenger checkpoint delays at Barajas Airport’s Terminal 4, went from the usual 10-minute wait average to 95 minutes.
On both days, those arriving with the normal two-hour window before their flights were in danger of missing them completely.
A total of 21 out of over 800 Trabilsa security employees have joined the indefinite strike, denouncing the “exorbitant” workload at Barajas compared to other airports.
Trabilsa staff are tasked with security controls at Barajas airport – checking bags, operating X-ray machines and all other security checks.
Workers are demanding salary increases, compensation, and the implementation of a “Madrid bonus” for all airport staff.
The strike is expected to continue, unless an agreement can be reached.
The walkout was originally intended to affect freight traffic, but has now been extended to passenger flights too.
Airport operator Aena issued a warning on its official channels: “Due to the strike called by Trablisa security personnel, security clearance times may be increased”.
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The standard recommendation is to “arrive earlier than usual and, whenever possible, check in their carry-on baggage to facilitate a faster passage through security”.
The Association of Airlines (ALA) has asked Aena for an immediate solution to address the collapse of security control, highlighting the “serious harm” this is causing.
“It is unacceptable that a situation like this, which affects thousands of passengers and airline operations, continues without an immediate solution,” said its president, Javier Gándara.
The airlines warn of a “serious impact” on punctuality and customer experience.
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The Spanish Consumer Association EFE on Monday morning, demanded that all avenues for negotiation be exhausted to call off the strike immediately and avoid further harm to consumers.
There is no stoppage end date in sight so far and workers have confirmed it will be indefinite if their demands are not met.
Aena has indicated that the chaotic situation and delays at Barajas airport security checkpoints could continue throughout the week.