Madrid, Spain – Airbus employees at most of its Spanish sites have begun a strike that will last until the end of July, protesting what unions describe as deteriorating working conditions. This comes amid warnings that the ongoing crisis could affect aircraft delivery schedules and production in the coming months.
Protests over wages and working conditions
The Independent Union of Aviation Professionals explained that the strike was in protest against several issues, most notably wage increases that fall short of inflation rates and stricter attendance monitoring procedures. They added that office staff are also being required to spend more time at their workplaces.
The union emphasized that these measures have driven workers to escalate their protests, demanding improved working conditions and a response to their demands.
The strike has spread to company sites
The strike began at the Airbus plant in Getafe, near Madrid, before spreading to other locations and gaining support from additional unions.
However, the Spanish Workers’ Commissions (CCTE), the company’s largest union, has not joined the current action.
The union announced that it may call for an open-ended strike starting September 7 if no agreement is reached with management regarding the workers’ demands.
Concerns about production and delivery
The unions warned that a continued strike would significantly impact aircraft delivery schedules and production operations during the final four months of the year at all Airbus sites in Spain.
The company is under pressure to meet its target of delivering 870 aircraft this year. At the same time, it is facing supply chain challenges.
Airbus employs more than 14,000 workers at eight sites in Spain, where it produces military transport aircraft,
commercial aircraft parts, and satellites. The Getafe plant is the company’s third largest worldwide.
