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Travellers face delays as train and airport workers strike across Spain

Emma Anderson
Emma Anderson - [email protected]
Travellers face delays as train and airport workers strike across Spain
Travelers wait at the Barcelona airport. Photo: Lluis Gene / AFP.

With train workers and airport luggage handlers going on strike starting on Friday, weekend travelers will face some obstacles in getting to their desired destinations. Here’s what you need to know.

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Train worker unions began a 24-hour strike on Friday while the first in a series of many baggage handler strikes also launched ahead of the weekend.

Train workers are disgruntled after the unions and train operator Renfe failed to come to agreement on working conditions, including about outsourcing workloads and hiring new personnel.  

Renfe trains will be operating at “minimum service” until Saturday, the company said, and passengers should check travel schedules. Peak hour train travel with Cercanias and FEVE will be operating between 50 and 75 percent, while at all other hours, trains will be operating at between 33 and 50 percent.

Mid-range trains will be operating between 63 and 65 percent while long-distance trains will be at 72 percent.

Renfe added that for those passengers whose trains are cancelled, they will be offering alternative trains, whenever possible. For those who do not wish to take the alternative trip, they may cancel or change their ticket to another date without an extra cost.

Easyjet and Vueling passengers will be affected by baggage handlers going on strike across Spain, starting at Madrid-Barajas airport on Friday.

Three unions are upset that the company Menzies Aviation Ibérica decided to postpone talks regarding collective bargaining.

Further strikes at other major airports are set to follow, including on Saturday in Málaga, Sunday in Barcelona, and on Monday in Alicante and Mallorca.

Even more strikes are planned at each airport through the rest of the month.

Easyjet warned passengers this week that if they are traveling between any of the airports affected, they should prepare for delays.

"Please allow some extra time to get to the gate in time for your flight, as areas such as bag drop could be busier than usual," Easyjet said in a statement on Thursday.

Vueling recommended that passengers check in online beforehand, get to the airport earlier and travel with hand luggage.

Source: Easyjet.

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