USO, the leading union representing many flight attendants and crew members, continues to press for changes amid planned industrial action that spans from late August into early September. The announcements from both the union and Iberia Express confirm that, despite a mediation attempt completed this Friday, no accord was reached. The schedule of strikes, which covers several days, reflects a broader push by the workers to secure terms that they say are essential for maintaining fair compensation in a challenging economic environment.
The Iberia Express management, a subsidiary of the larger Iberia group, issued a formal statement expressing that USO is seeking wage increases that, in aggregate, would push payroll costs well above 26 percent. The airline described these demands as excessive and unsustainable within its current financial framework. In the company’s view, such hikes would create a mismatch with the airline’s revenue streams and overall business plan, making a rapid accommodation impractical in the near term.
USO, for its part, indicated that its most recent proposal is concentrated on the salary component, offering a path to suspending the strike if a negotiated agreement can be sealed. The union criticized what it described as a lack of genuine intent from the company to narrow positions during talks, suggesting that the airline’s stance was more about maintaining status quo than addressing workers’ concerns. The union emphasized that its offers include concrete steps to restore purchasing power and improve working conditions, should constructive dialogue resume.
In addition to wage considerations, USO noted that Iberia Express responded to a request for a minimum 6.5 percent wage uplift as part of the current pricing structure with what was described as a repetitive and unsubstantiated explanation. After that exchange, the two sides continued negotiating the other elements of the proposed agreement, signaling ongoing attempts to reach a balanced settlement that would prevent disruption to travelers and services.
Iberia Express highlighted that the announced stoppages do not represent the stance of another union faction within the TCP collective, specifically CCOO, which has a distinct position. The airline pointed out that the strike call coincided with a period of intensifying discussions aimed at finalizing the second collective agreement. The evolving dialogue reflects a broader effort within Iberia Express to align labor terms with corporate goals while ensuring a stable operating framework for the near term.
As talks progressed, both sides agreed to explore the question of minimum services during periods of disruption. If a consensus cannot be reached on this sensitive topic, the matter may be decided by the Ministry of Transport, a standard mechanism for ensuring continuity of essential transport services while safeguarding passenger interests. This step is intended to provide a clear framework for operation during any potential service interruptions and to minimize the impact on travelers.
On 17 August, USO publicly called for a TCP-based strike at Iberia Express’s Madrid base, planning a ten-day escalation from 28 August to 6 September. The call involves more than 500 workers who have joined the campaign to push for negotiation of the second collective agreement, reflecting a sustained campaign to address issues that workers see as critical to job security and fairness in compensation.
USO contends that the wage stagnation has persisted for seven years, eroding consumer purchasing power. The union seeks to recover that lost value through higher wages, enhanced bonuses for shipping or surcharges, and improvements in seniority-related benefits. These demands are framed as essential corrections to the long-term financial fairness for crew members who have helped sustain Iberia Express through challenging market conditions.
An update from the other side of the bargaining table reveals a different development. CCOO, a separate union voice within the same workforce, reportedly accepted a deal with Iberia Express. The terms under discussion, while still subject to final approval, include a one-time advance payment to crew members as compensation for surcharges and other costs, illustrating a possible compromise path that could shape the broader agreement. The evolving negotiations underscore the complex balancing act between maintaining competitive labor costs and preserving the airline’s capacity to deliver reliable service to its customers.