Alicante Airport Experiences Disruptions Due to Ground Staff Strike
Monday, October 9th, 2023
Since the 22nd of September, passengers travelling via Alicante Airport have experienced disruptions due to strike action. Here is an overview of what’s been happening, how long the situation is likely to continue and what is being done to sort things out.
Q: Who is on strike?
A: The security staff of the private firm Ilunion, which operates security services at Alicante Airport.
Q: Which parts of the airport are affected?
A: The strike impacts security controls for passengers and staff, baggage handling, cargo supplies, private flights, and the security control centre at Alicante Airport.
Q: What are the dates for the strike action?
A: So far, the strikes have taken place on 22/9– 24/9, 26/9, 29 + 30/9, 1/10, 3/10 and on 6 – 9/10/2023.
If no agreement is reached, further strike dates are planned as follows:
| October 2023 | 10/10 – 15/10, 17/10, 20/10 – 22/10, 24/10, 27/10 – 29/10, 31/10 |
| November 2023 | 1/11- 5/11, 7/11, 10/11 – 12/11, 14/11, 17/11 – 19/11, 21/11, 24/11 – 26/11, 28/11 |
| December 2023 | 1/12 – 10/12, 12/12, 15/12 – 17/12, 19/12, 22/12 – 31/12 |
| January 2024 | 1/1 – 14/1 |
On the above dates, strike action will be taking place for 2 hours each day: from 8.45am to 9.45am and from 6pm to 7pm.
Q: What are the reasons for the strikes?
A: The staff is striking to demand improved working conditions, including shorter working hours, longer breaks during shifts and between workdays, and fairer payment.
Q: What impact has the strike had on travellers so far?
A: Alicante Airport has seen long queues building up on strike days and many passengers have experienced considerable delays in their journey through the airport, from check-in to boarding.
Q: What is being done to minimise the impact of the strike on passengers?
A: The security company Ilunion has drafted in auxiliary services in an attempt to fill the gaps and to minimise the effects of the strike.
Q: When is the strike action likely to end?
A: The CCOO, the security guards’ trade union, has expressed willingness to reach an agreement with Ilunion, but negotiations have been unsuccessful thus far. The duration of the partial stoppages remains, therefore, uncertain.
Q: What should you do if you are flying via Alicante Airport on one of the strike days?
A: It is advisable to check with your airline before heading to the airport to ensure that your flight is operating as planned. Expect longer-than-usual processing times at the airport, so plan for some extra time in your travel schedule.