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Travellers flying in or out of Palma de Mallorca Airport this Friday July 25 could face serious disruption, as airport workers prepare to stage a four-hour protest over what they call “inhumane” working conditions.

 

The strike action, planned between 8am and midday, has been called by the UGT union(Unión General de Trabajadores or General Workers’ Union), which represents ground staff working with major airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, Eurowings and Swissport. The protest is expected to affect passengers during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, as school holidays begin and tourists flock to the Balearic Islands.

 

Staff say they are being pushed to the limit during the summer season, with long hours, poor treatment, and a lack of proper facilities. Many claim their shifts are poorly scheduled and don’t allow for a reasonable work-life balance, while contracts are often part-time but loaded with compulsory overtime.

 

The UGT has accused several aviation companies of “exploitation” and says workers are often denied proper holiday planning and career progression. Complaints have also been raised about inadequate uniforms that don’t suit the island’s extreme heat or wet conditions, as well as a lack of vehicles, staff and equipment to carry out jobs safely.

 

The protest is not just about working hours and conditions. Staff are also calling for basic improvements at the airport itself, including access to affordable food, safer facilities, and free parking. Ongoing construction work at Palma airport has also come under fire, with the union saying it is damaging workers’ health and creating unsafe conditions.

 

The UGT is demanding that airport operator Aena work with the regional government and union reps to find long-term solutions. If their concerns are not addressed, the union has warned that further and more disruptive action may follow.

 

The Balearic government has acknowledged growing concerns over delays and complaints at Palma airport this summer and has called for urgent steps to improve operations. For now, passengers planning to travel on Thursday are advised to check with their airline and prepare for possible delays.

 

 

 

Image: Archive