Air Traffic Control Row

The Malaga control tower saga continues this week, even though last week it was reported that it is unlikely to go ahead in the near future. However, the latest reports are more to do with the actual workers at the airport.

They have confirmed that IF the plan does progress, they will call an immediate strike from as early as 26th March, which is just as the country enters ‘summer time’ ahead of the major tourist season.

This was confirmed by CCOO, the main union for the control tower workers who said that any move forward with the privatisation plans would lead to an “immediate call” to strike for the whole workforce.

The union said that all members are fully onboard with the strike action, which could involve up to 560 individual workers.

The original reasons the union and workers were so against it are still very relevant as they feel the overall quality of service will be compromised through any privatisation.

This week saw some staff make a demonstration at the airport by the main entrance to terminal 3 of Malaga Airport. They were joined by other non related staff such as airport firefighters, who also wanted to show their support.

The support that is growing for the control tower staff at the airport which has increased the pressure on the government and their wish to move forward with any privatisation.

It is not just Malaga airport that is up for privatisation, others include Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife South, Tenerife North, Gran Canaria, Bilbao and Santiago.

Monday’s protest also included some members of the political parties that are also against the plans with representatives of Izquierda Unida and Podemos, as well as local dignitaries.