Thousands of UK tourists could face major disruptions as unions representing ground handling staff called for strike action in Spain over pay and working conditions. 

The unions representing the workers claim several agreements have been breached that seriously affect employees’ working conditions, as formalised in a letter to the Association of Airport Ground Handling Services Companies (ASEATA). 

Among the members of ASEATA are low-cost airline Ryanair as well as major ground handling and airport lounge companies such as Swissport, meaning tourists across Spain could be hugely impacted at all stages of their trip. 

Despite multiple meetings, the unions claim the companies have “ignored” proposed solutions, leaving strike action as the only option. A date has not been confirmed yet. 

One of the main points of contention is over pay. The unions claim that employees’ “wage guarantees” aren’t being complied with fully, which directly affects workers’ economic rights.

Unions also claim employees are not being classified correctly according to “corresponding salary levels”. 

Talking about shift management, unions claim there are “systematic changes of shifts or schedules” without the minimum notice period, and working conditions which don’t comply with rest and safety regulations.

The employees are being represented by the FeSMC-UGT, FSC-CCOO and USO unions, which are calling for reform on all three matters.