SPAIN: Iberia Airline pilots union say they will go on strike on December 18 and 29 to protest against the creation of low-cost airline Iberia Express which they say threatens their jobs

Record ID: 340617

  • Title: SPAIN: Iberia Airline pilots union say they will go on strike on December 18 and 29 to protest against the creation of low-cost airline Iberia Express which they say threatens their jobs
  • Date: 8th December 2011
  • Summary: MADRID, SPAIN (FILE) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF IBERIA PLANES ON TARMAC VARIOUS OF BARAJAS AIRPORT TERMINAL PLANE TAKING OFF
  • Embargoed: 23rd December 2011 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Spain, Spain
  • Country: Spain
  • Topics: Employment,Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA10LCPPBM0HI2EWFSF6AMQVVXO
  • Story Text: The pilots of Spain's Iberia Airline have agreed to strike on December 18 and December 29 in protest of management's plans to create low-cost air carrier, Iberia Express.
    Justo Peral Cabrera the head of the Spanish Airline Pilots Union (SEPLA) at Iberia told a news conference on Wednesday (December 7) there was no other option but to strike.
    "SEPLA has decided to take the last resort - to mobilise ourselves and go on strike. As you you can see I have just returned from signing the agreement (for a strike) because we have waited until the last minute for a response on the offers we have made the company trying to avoid this situation, but they have absolutely no wish to avoid this."
    Iberia, which operates under the International Airlines Group (IAG) holding since merging with British Airways, wants to launch a new airline next year to compete with low-cost rivals like Ryanair and Easyjet .
    Peral Cabrera said that Iberia Express will only serve to terminate jobs in Spain while British Airways, which has announced an ambitious growth plan and the renewal of its fleet, benefits.
    "Spain will be a low cost centre which attracts only low cost tourists and will enable British Airways to become the first point of reference for the Asian and South American travellers to and from London, creating jobs in London as they have announced, and terminating jobs here in Spain." he said.
    Iberia says the strike has no basis and argues Iberia Express will not affect pilots and staff currently employed by Iberia.
    International Airlines Group wants to start the new low cost operation in April 2012 in routes that are running a deficit in Spain and Europe. The initial plan foresees operating with 13 planes at the end of 2013 using 500 employees.
  • Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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