Proposed Spanish air strike threatens tourism

Holidaymakers could face air chaos later this month if Spanish air traffic controllers vote for a strike today over what they call excessive working hours.

The controllers’ union said if its 2,300 members back action, a date for a stoppage would be decided later.

The strike could come this month, the busiest for tourism in one of Europe’s top holiday destinations.

USCA, which represents 95% of the controllers, said the strike was proposed to protest over recent government plans to change in working and rest hours. The union says the changes will mean some controllers working up to 28 days a month.

Development Minister Jose Blanco said the changes improved working conditions and the strike proposal “lacked justification.”