The air traffic control community in Spain is facing a renewed push for negotiation as staff shortages collide with long-standing bargaining issues. This summer, controllers in Mallorca and across five Enaire centers Palma, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Gran Canaria are preparing for a possible national action. The decision to strike is being shaped by persistent concerns that have lingered for a decade, coupled with the stress of reduced operations during the pandemic and a growing workload as air travel rebounds. The national union presence, particularly the Air Controllers Association (USCA), has indicated that discussions will resume soon to determine whether industrial action is warranted. The outcome will hinge on how the parties address compensation, working conditions and the staffing gaps that have become more acute in recent times.
Industry insiders note that the forthcoming assembly in Barcelona will map out a clear agenda. Workers will revisit core issues that have driven unrest for years, including collective bargaining terms and the pace of improvements in the working environment. The barometer for action remains high as the union weighs the balance between securing better terms and avoiding disruptions to the public and the economy. (Attribution: USCA spokesperson statements during a Barcelona meeting)
Administrative observers report that the debate is not only about wages, but also about the operational strain caused by reduced staffing. After two years of paused or diminished activity, the sector is now confronting a surge in both commercial and private traffic. The pressure is apparent in the monitoring of flight movements and the capacity limits of control centers across the archipelago and mainland Spain. (Data reference: Enaire estimates and traffic trends)
In Mallorca, the numbers illustrate a nuanced picture. The control tower that oversees takeoffs and landings at Son Sant Joan shows a decline in tower staff compared to pre-pandemic levels, with 53 controllers currently on duty where 55 were counted three years earlier. The broader control center, responsible for managing flights and approaches, indicates a stable total, though the headcount has fluctuated in tandem with retirements and training throughput. This shortfall sits inside a region that has seen traffic bounce back and then accelerate as the island resumes its seasonal peak. (Enaire data and transit records through April)
The summer forecast anticipates a higher workload than in 2019 for Mallorca, even as the official figures from USCA do not show a specific headcount tally. The union asserts there are only four trainees ready to replace retiring staff, alongside aging personnel who are approaching or exceeding retirement age. Critics argue that a recent psychosocial study conducted by a contractor on behalf of Enaire highlighted significant stress and worn-down conditions among controllers. The study has become a focal point in the broader debate on whether management has done enough to restore morale and safety culture beyond basic training programs. (Source attribution: Enaire commissioned study)
Looking back, December 2010 marked a pivotal moment when controllers staged a strike that led to a prolonged legal contest. Authorities initially argued that the action could have triggered a shutdown of airspace, while the controllers maintained that they did not abandon their posts. The court ultimately concluded that operational closure could not be ascribed to the controllers in that instance, but the episode left a lasting imprint on the relationship between the workforce and state authorities. (Historical account: Spain’s legal proceedings on controller action)