Air traffic controllers at SAERCO-managed airport towers in Spain plan to begin an indefinite strike from 00:00 on April 17, unions have announced, raising the risk of disruption at 14 airports across the country.
The pre-notice has been filed by the Union of Air Traffic Controllers (USCA) and Workers’ Commissions (CCOO), targeting facilities including Madrid-Cuatro Vientos, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Seville.
The unions say the dispute stems from long-standing structural issues, including staff shortages, work overload and irregular scheduling practices. They warn that accumulated fatigue and stress among controllers could affect operational concentration, prompting the move toward strike action after failed attempts to resume negotiations.
According to USCA and CCOO, the conflict is not linked to isolated incidents but reflects deeper operational concerns built up over several years. They cite ongoing staff reductions, increasing workloads and what they describe as organizational improvisation within the company.
The unions also point to practices such as the cancellation of previously approved leave, extensive use of on-call shifts and last-minute schedule changes. They say these measures have become normalized despite being intended as exceptions.
Additional concerns include a lack of clarity around mandatory rest periods and inconsistent planning across departments. The unions argue that these conditions undermine work-life balance and create uncertainty for staff.
Before issuing the strike notice, union representatives attempted to reopen talks with SAERCO. However, they say scheduled meetings were repeatedly postponed or canceled, leaving key issues unresolved.
Among the outstanding topics are the definition of actual staffing levels, how absences are covered, fatigue management protocols and the criteria used to design shift schedules.
The planned strike is expected to affect control towers at a range of regional and island airports, including La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, Castellón, Burgos, Huesca, Ciudad Real, Vigo, A Coruña and Jerez, in addition to those already named.
As a preliminary step, USCA and CCOO have requested mediation through the Interconfederal Mediation and Arbitration Service. The outcome of this process may determine whether further negotiations take place before the strike begins.
