Spanish airport strikes set to be called off

AENA and three major unions representing AENA employees announced they have reached a preliminary agreement in a series of negotiations (Reuters/Telegraph, 16-Mar-2011). The agreement, which must now be endorsed by members, takes on board concerns over labour conditions and job security for AENA's 13,000 staff in the face of a planned government privatisation. The Spanish Tourist Office and the government stated that if the agreement is endorsed, the 22 days of strike would be averted. Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said 77% of tourists arrive in Spain by air, bringing more than 190 million passengers through Spanish airports every year.