Threatened Sept. 29 strike in Spain
 

Our flight to Barcelona is scheduled to arrive on September 29! We're read that there is a strike threatened to occur on that day which will affect the airline controllers. We are concerned about whether or not to go through the hastle and expense of trying to re-schedule flight, hotels, etc.etc. and would really appreciate any info, especially from someone who may live in Barcelona, on the status of this strike. Thanks, in advance, to anyone who can provide some current info.

First of all this is a general strike and if it goes ahead it will not just affect air-controllers. It affects a lot of trades and workers.
I have to say that also this is no threat, but how much it will affect everyone is almost impossible to say. Say the unions get their way almost all services will not be functioning, if the government thinks they are onto a winner then everyone will carry on working as per normal.
If the former scenario happens then the following day(s) you may find airlines rescheduling because crews and planes will be in the wrong place.
So it could be bad news,sorry about that.

Thank you, ribeirasacra, for your reply, even though it brings very discouraging news. From what we can understand, we are really risking additional traveling headaches and anxieties by keeping our plans as they are; namely, arriving in Barcelona on Sept. 29. Our initial idea of an easy and relaxing trip to Spain has, we think, suddenly taken a turn and will require attempts to make changes to a "nonrefundable pre-paid trip." If this is the case, would you think that traveling ahead of the Sept. 29 date, like a day or two, if we can arrange a change, would be more advisable than trying to bump up to early October? (Our present itinerary includes three days in Mallorca, Oct. 6-9, with return travel to the US on October 10th through Madrid. These segments could all remain if we can arrange one or two extra days in Barcelona before the 29th.) Do you know if other services for tourists, like rental cars, hotels, restaurants, etc. would be affected? We're trying to put together options for a Plan B. Any suggestions from you or others who may have been caught in a European strike situation would be greatly appreciated.

In 2006 I was caught in an illegal(not announced) one day strike of baggage handlers and other airport personnel in Barcelona. Our flight from the US early that morning was the last one allowed to land. Unfortunately, I had airline travel plans the next day to Bilbao. Even though the strike had supposedly ended, many flights were again canceled as either they didn't have the plane in place or no pilots to fly them. We spent that next day in the airport, surrounded by throngs of angry people, many of them out of control. People that had a ticket for that day plus everybody whose flight had been cancelled the prior day were there. It was a scene right out of Dante's inferno! By 10 PM it was clear that we were not going anywhere and had to return to the hotel after standing hours in line to get our ticket changed for the following day. The next morning we went back and were not able to leave until late in the afternoon since the flights were still not running normally.

And this was due only to baggage handlers going on strike for one day! I can't even imagine the repercussions of a general strike! If you need to keep the trip in place in that time frame I would certainly suggest you move your arrival date to one or two days prior, and not plan to travel out of Barcelona for at least a couple of days after 9/29.

Based upon responses from fellow Fodorites, we've begun checking into the possiblity of backing up our departure date a day or two, arriving in Barcelona on the 27th or 28th. We're learning that if we anticipate Delta's notifying us of the strike in Spain, and re-booking us, we'll incur a $ 275. per person change fee plus an upcharge for the earlier flight. However, if we wait 'til the airline takes the initiative, we'll avoid those charges. Our concern is that waiting for a last-minute notice by Delta, with the many passengers affected, the flights on succeeding days will be filled, or the itineraries "undesirable" and that our hotel and other reservations will be impacted. When we check the Delta website for alternative flights, it appears that there are few seats available. Does anyone know if, perhaps, there may be more seats than the airline offers on their website to "economy" passengers? We'd appreciate any experiences/insights that fellow Fodorites have to offer to help sort out this situation.

As far as I know the seats that appear as available in the seat map are for the most part the ones available. Sometimes they block the first row in economy and the seats on the exit rows to give those out at the airport.

I wouldn't put my faith on Delta calling you days prior and offering you a favorable solution.

We did contact the travel agency through which we booked this trip, and they, of course, know nothing definite to tell us except that, in case the strike goes throughand our flight is affected, Delta will re-book us. But, of course, when and how is unclear. At this point, with the uncertainties surrounding the Sept. 29th strike and how it might affect our Delta flight, due to arrive at 8:55 AM, we're thinking about "waiting it out" and hoping for the best. We're wondering whether or not flights from the US will be able to land early in the AM of the 29th. If, by luck, our flight is able to land, does anyone know if private transportation services, car rental companies, restaurants, etc., which do not involve government employees, will be affected? If so, then it would be less than enjoyable to be visiting Spain.

An additional concern, one we've never dealt with, is figuring out how much Trip Insurance will cover if we can't get into Barcelona on the 29th, and pre-paid hotel stay, etc. are not able to be utilized.

We'd appreciate any Fodorite's response to any of the above. Thanks!

Your trip insurance policy should state what is covered. Be prepared to have to turn in official documents from the airlines stating there WAS a strike, etc., late arrival, whatever.

You may want to find out now what those documents will be, just so you can be sure to get them while you are in the process instead of after the fact.

I was immediatley reimbursed by Amex after being delayed due to weather, and since I had been told what documents to ask for if that happened, it was a lot easier to ask for that during my re-booking than try to get the requested document later on.

I have been watching this situation closely as we are due to fly into Barcelona on the 29th as we are departing for a cruise.

There is very little current information available regarding the strike and if it's a one day strike or longer.

At the moment we are thinking we should change our flight and hotel and arrive on the 28th.

Royal,

If I was taking a cruise I would for sure at least arrive one day early, even if there was no planned strike.

cruiseluv - our cruise departs Oct.1st which is why we planned to arrive on the 29th. Now I am thinking we should change our flight and arrive the 28th.

This will cost us approx. $250 each plus to change our tickets and an extra day in Barcelona. Not sure what to do so may wait a few days and see what develops.

Wish we had some way of getting current news.

So far the strike will be on, but news media is doubtful as to the percentage of supporters.If anything more definite is published or rumors we will post it.

The French strike today has cancelled tens of flights into and out of Spain and has affected some international trains.

lincasanova - thanks for the update. Appreciate your offer to keep us posted.

A second special thanks to lincasanova. We really appreciate your offer to keep us posted. This "cloud of anxiety" hangs over our trip to Barcelona, especially whether or not US flights will be able to land on the 29th. We're also concerned about whether the strike will affect private trans-port companies, car rentals, restaurants, etc. Any info is appreciated.

Just spoke to Madrid and Barcelona taxi companies. Seems taxis do not HAVE to go on strike, and most of them will just do what they want. No way to know until almost last minute.I get the feeling that there should be some sort of minimum services for most things.

Spoke to department of Aviation AENA and they will not know which, if any, flights are affected until the last minute. The airlines themselves will have that information as soon as it becomes available.

The person I spoke to said many times some flights are given priority, etc..

so.. not really much news here as you can see.
Will try to keep you posted.

The feeling is this is going to be a very unpopular strike.

Thank you lincasanova for this latest news. I did call my airline but they had no information regarding this strike.

Did read that there wasn't a lot of support for the strike but then again you never know do you as things can change at the last minute.

Right now I'm in a holding pattern and keeping an eye on seat availability on flights.

We're in a similar position to Royal; that is, a "holding pattern". We realize that no one has a crystal ball, but we really appreciate the suggestions of fellow Fodorites (i.e. using carry-on luggage to remain flexible)and especially those like lincasanova who indicate that they'll keep us posted as they learn new information.

I read somewhere in the past day or two (can't remember what site) that the air traffic controllers in Spain are required to give 10 days notice before a walkout or strike.

Can anyone confirm that?

I am cutting and pasting something I read in a website called easytravelreport.com (I read about this on Tripadvisor):

"Spain

Spain will participate in European wide strike in September.

Spanish rail strike

Valencian Railway Service, Valencia, Alicante, Tuesday, July 27, Friday, 30 July and Thursday, Sept,9. see guide2valencia.com The strikes will affect the Metro of Valencia and the Alicante tram services.


Spanish nationwide general strike, 29 September.

23, August, General Union of Workers (UGT) submitted plan, steps towards the general strike next month. For your Information, UGT union members include, Spanish airport operators, air traffic controllers, maintenance technicians, administrative staff, firemen and security. Spain has 47 airports.


15, June, 2010 Spanish general strike date in. Brace yourself. Wednesday, 29, September. Coming up fast. Nice, that it takes place after summer. Unemployment 20%. Will coincide with European wide protests. CCOO and Comisiones Obreras, General Union of Workers (UGT) unions will join in. UGT members include Spanish airport operators, air traffic controllers, firemen, maintenance technicians and administration. Neither UGT nor CCOO have given any indication that they might call a general strike of all workers.Try to make your travel plans earlier rather than later of the 29th. Unions asking consumers not to shop.

19, July, It was announced today that the Balearic Islands, Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca will join in this strike.


U2 have postponed one of their two concerts in Spain next month google.com"

Thanks cruiseluv. Still can't remember where I saw that item regarding the 10 day notice that controllers must provide.

Guess tomarkot and I are in a wait and see mode.

This is a general strike to which all workers are called, and it will happen for sure, it's not just a threat. Expect major disruptions in transportation and all sort of other services, especially in the public sector.

Royal,

Yes, you are right. I was in Madrid in early August and the Spanish Air Traffic Controllers were threatening a strike and something was mentioned about the "10 days rule". However, please see that notice has already been served for the Sept. 29 strike.

is this just a one-day strike? (although I imagine the effects will be felt for a few days after) or can this potentially last for multiple days?

summer08bride,

This is a one day strike as legislation requires and as advertised.

Best wishes.

Sorry - should read 'as legislation requires' - notification.

Spoke to our TA today and she advises us to hold on this situation. She feels it's most unlikely that all flights will be cancelled and possibly just domestic flights.

As we arrive early in the morning of the 29th we may just get lucky. Think we will book for a car pickup though at the airport.

Royal, we also spoke with our TA who advised us that Delta said that until they had knowledge of the strike, with our flight being affected, we couldn't push our flight back a day without penalties. She advised us that, since we had trip insurance which does cover strikes, we should just wait it out and "be positive". We're just hoping, as you, that since our flight arrives early in the morning of the 29th, we will be able to land in Barcelona. We have no transportation connections out of Barcelona to make, and our transport to the hotel is through a private company.

When it was mentioned on this site that the ATC are required to give a 10-day advance notice before a strike, does that mean that they could have already given more than a 10-day notice, and the strike is set to go, or that ten days prior to the 29th (the 19th) they must give notice. Would someone be willing to explain this in a little more detail?

Let's just hope that, whatever it is, all of us who are traveling to/from Spain on the 29th will not have our plans interrupted! All of this uncertainty surrounding our travel to Spain kind of dims the anticipation and excitement we would normally have. Does anyone else feel this way?

tomarkot - I feel exactly as you do. The pre-trip excitement has turned to pre-trip anxiety.

Also hope someone responds to your question as to whether the ATC have already given notice. If they have it is surprising that the airlines don't seem to know about it or aren't responding to it.

The strike always was inevitable, as the Spanish government was not going to do an about turn on new labour legislation,(which, has only days ago, finished the final stages in process).
If you want confirmation -
http://www.expatica.com/es/news/span...-29_94587.html
http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/spa...ff421.html?x=0

Thanks WomBatt.

I read both those articles and while the unions have given formal notice it would appear the members are giving it little support.

Thanks to WomBatt for the information. We appreciate any updates. We're with you Royal, hoping that the strike doesn't have big support, especially the workers involved in international flights. That would seem to discourage tourists, big time, from planning future visits.

Thanks for all the info.from everyone.My pre trip anxiety has been relieved.My anxiety was fueled by Lufthansa's just wait and see attitude.We contacted the source of our Star Alliance miles-United-and they rebooked us on Luft,without charge a day early out of Barcelona on the 28th because of the strike.Hate to miss a day + in Spain but worth the peace of mind.Good luck to all of you on 9/29.I hope it is a cultural experience of the pleasant sort.We have an unused room at the Constanza on the 28th -looks like we will be paying for it-still working on compensation.

We, also are due to land on the 29th via Delta @ 0855. I have called Delta twice and they know nothing. Don't seem to have any back-up plans on their part. I don't want to end up at Charles DeGaulle (their hub) on the day of the 29th. I hate that airport. What to do??????????????

Hi,

I have plans to be in Seville/Cordoba/Granada around September 29 through Oct 2. After reading the discussion here, should I understand that the strike will last only 1 day? Is that a guarantee?

Also, I have only seen reference that transportation workers will be on strike. How about workers at the sites, like those working at Alhambra and what not? Can anyone shed any light to that? I'd really appreciate it.

I spoke with a Delta Rep and he said they will have to let us land in Barcelona on the 29th after flying all night. They want an additional 74,000 sky miles and $270 some per person. He suggested we sit tight. That they are more likely not to let planes take off but they have to let us land. Does anyone really know what is going to happen?

judyumcer and all,

'Does anyone really know what is going to happen?' - No.

It is a general strike. How effective or ineffectual support will be is open to debate. If anyone does not 'sit on the fence' with their suggestion on what will actually happen on the 29th, they are being foolish.

Best wishes.

Judy,

Unfortunately nobody here has a crystal ball and that Delta rep doesn't either. I think it was very misguided for him to tell you that "they have to let us land". When I was affected by the bagagge handlers strike in Barcelona, our flight was the last one allowed to land. Other flights were diverted to other airports.

For what it's worth: We asked some friends whose son lives in Barcelona to find out what he's picking up from local TV/newspapers regarding the Sept. 29 strike. They said he knew nothing about it! And he himself has plans to fly to the US from Barcelona on Sept. 30. He's normally a "dialed in" guy, but perhaps with a young baby he and his Barcelonan wife are not keeping up with daily news. Who knows?

Instead of using what prep time we have for our trip to check out info/plan activities for Barcelona and vicinity, and learn some basic Catalan, we're trying to scan Spain newspapers (English versions) and other websites, to figure out what impact this strike might have on our plans, and see very little info. One would think that a general strike, with potentially wide-reaching impact, would get a bit more attention from people living in Spain. The mystery and anxiety remain!!!

tomarkot - It is very unusual that there is almost no recent coverage of this major event in the Spanish press. Perhaps the only people paying attention are the union leaders.

None of the airlines here in N.America have anything to say about it either.

As you said - a mystery.

I wrote this already in the Air Travel forum but I will repeat it here.United just allowed us to change our Lufthansa flight from 9/29 to 9/28 out of Barcelona.There was no charge due to the strike.We had to go through United-the source of our earned miles.I am sad about missing an extra day in Spain but will have a day in Germany before going home.The Constanza hotel was not so generous.They refuse to alter their no refund policy for the 29th.I know they are full and many will need the room.Good luck everyone.