The SEPLA pilots union has informed Iberia’s management that it plans to stage two new strikes next month, on 9th and 11th January in protest at the creation of the new Iberia Express subsidiary.
Iberia cancelled many flights in response to yesterday’s strike but at 18.00 announced: “More than 50% of the 211 Iberia flights scheduled for today – excepting those cancelled due to the pilots strike – had taken off normally. No serious incidents were reported, thanks to Iberia’s efforts to find alternative travel arrangements for the more than 10,000 customers affected by the strike.”
With regard to the threat of new strikes, Iberia said: “The company deeply regrets the union’s decision and the damage it will inflict on customers. The creation of Iberia Express is a legal, legitimate and necessary venture to ensure the company’s future in an increasingly difficult competitive environment.
“As it did on the occasion of today’s strike and the one staged on 18th December, Iberia is calling on the Spanish government to issue a decree providing for minimum services to be maintained on the January strike days. When the decree is issued, probably within a few days, the airline will know which flights must be cancelled, and can begin to seek alternatives for customers with tickets for cancelled flights.
“Iberia expresses its regret for the inconveniences caused by the strike, and thanks customers for their patience and understanding.”
