The main air traffic controllers’ union, USCA, has called off the strike that had been scheduled for this Saturday October 3. Yesterday, they announced on their web site that an agreement with Enaire had been reached. In spite of the fact that “this agreement does not meet all the objectives” pursued by USCA, they understand that Enaire has resumed negotiations. Thus they find it appropriate to explore an attempt of improving the relationship with Enaire. This attempt will not make them renounce the other claims. Especially in the case of the controller who was dismissed in Santiago de Compostela airport as a consequence of the closure of airspace in December 2010. “The courts concluded that dismissal was based on events that did not happen”.
For their part, Enaire also published a press release on the agreement reached with USCA. They highlighted the fact that nine walkouts had already taken place in June, July and September. “From the beginning Enaire has been firm in their willingness to talk within the legal requirements and the conclusions of the courts with regard to the events which occurred in December of 2010”. The public company said “Enaire and USCA have taken a very important step forward to resolve a four-month dispute”. “This will avoid damage in the air transport”. Moreover, both parties said that this agreement would be helpful in continuing to work together to improve air navigation in Spain.
According to a report by Expansion, the first eight walkouts that took place in June and July hardly had any impact on the Spanish airspace. These walkouts lasted for 2 hours each. However, in the case of the last Saturday’s walkouts, that lasted for 12 hours, there were delays for 37% of the flights according to USCA. However, according to Enaire, the activity during that day was totally normal.
