There has been a significant shift in the ongoing pilot strike affecting Air Nostrum after months of disruption. The Spanish Airline Pilots Association, Sepla, announced earlier today that a daily indefinite strike is now in effect across all bases and workplaces associated with the Valencia based carrier. This development marks a notable escalation from the prior phase of protests, raising questions about the impact on schedules, crews, and regional travel across both Spain and neighboring markets. Sepla underscored that the indefinite action began on February 27 and has intensified in recent days as talks between the airline management and workers stalled. The union contends that management has consistently refused to engage with the workers’ legitimate demands for fair treatment, work conditions, and equitable wages, despite persistent efforts to reach a constructive resolution. Sepla asserts that the airline’s approach has limited meaningful dialogue, resulting in a reduction in scheduled meetings with pilots since the strike began. Additionally, the union criticized what it described as abusive minimum service requirements imposed by the government, arguing that such measures effectively dilute the right to strike by rendering it largely symbolic. The labor action is presented as a response to what Sepla sees as politically and economically motivated decisions that protect corporate interests at the expense of workers and passengers, creating a climate of uncertainty that stalls the resolution of a dispute they believe should be settled promptly and fairly.
Air Nostrum’s response
Following the announcement, Air Nostrum expressed disappointment with what it called a new and radical strike call from the Sepla union delegation. The airline said it will strive to implement the minimum services agreed upon with the objective of minimizing disruption to passengers. Air Nostrum also recalled that on May 26 an external arbitration process was offered to help settle the dispute, a step the airline says the union declined, choosing to intensify pressure instead. The company stressed that it remains open to dialogue but notes that the union’s stance has continued to harden as the strike has proceeded, complicating efforts to reach a settlement that would protect both crew and customers.
On the financial front, Air Nostrum highlighted the salary framework proposed in recent discussions. The plan includes a 13 percent consolidated and 3 percent cumulative increase for second pilots over the next three years, potentially reaching as high as 16 percent in total if performance targets are met. For commanders, the proposal includes a 10 percent consolidated increase and a 3 percent unconsolidated increase, totaling around 13 percent. The airline asserted that these figures sit at the upper end of what is typically negotiated in national collective agreements and exceed what had been approved in recent years by other parties in the sector. Air Nostrum noted that the most recent provisional offers were more modest, referencing earlier agreements that yielded 4 percent in 2023, 3 percent in 2024, and 3 percent in 2025. The company concluded that the proposed compensation package reflects a substantial effort to align with market norms and to recognize the contributions of pilots within the wider aviation labor market, while remaining mindful of the company’s financial stability and customer service commitments. This stance is presented as a foundation for renewed negotiations aimed at stabilizing operations and safeguarding passenger confidence. Nostrum communications and Sepla statements in the public record.