During a period of mounting labor tension, the situation centered on disagreements within the Aena group, Enaire, and affiliated workplaces. The strike action was initiated by a separate union, and the demands articulated by that union revolve around different collective agreements that apply to specific groups of workers. The underlying issue is not about air traffic controllers themselves, but about the terms that govern pay, benefits, and working conditions for other staff tied to distinct contracts within the same aviation network.
Recent statements from CCOO expressed strong frustration with the lack of a formal response from the involved group companies. The union criticized the silence as unacceptable, signaling a readiness to press ahead with industrial action. Aena has already announced plans that include stoppages at airports and control centers for the first quarter of 2023, with potential closures or limited operations during peak holiday periods such as Christmas and Easter, all aimed at pressuring management to address productivity and economic concerns.
Details about the specific strike days remained undecided at the time, but the call was set to affect workers across the network, spanning airports, control centers, and key operational roles. This could include front-line staff, operations technicians, emergency responders such as firefighters, and administrative personnel who support critical processes within the system.
As the union outlined in a formal press release, the dispute centers on long-standing demands to restore salary adjustments tied to long-term productivity measures that had been in place previously. With the pandemic years causing unique disruptions, unions argued that certain pay and incentive schemes should return to levels that reflect stable, pre-crisis productivity benchmarks. The broader narrative frames these demands as a fight for fairness in compensation that aligns with performance and sustained efficiency across the network.
Proponents of the strike also pointed to a broader economic context. They noted that air traffic volumes and service levels had recovered to, and in some places exceeded, the levels seen in the 2019 record year. In parallel, discussions about dividend distributions to private shareholders have been highlighted as a contrast to the concerns voiced by employees who seek a proportionate share of the gains generated by a high-functioning air transport system. In their view, the company’s profitability should translate into equitable compensation for those who operate, maintain, and support crucial aviation services.
Observers emphasize that this is a multi-faceted dispute involving workers assigned to various roles under different agreements. The potential impact on travel plans and airport operations could vary by location and day, reflecting the complex balance between maintaining critical infrastructure and honoring collective bargaining commitments. The situation underscores the ongoing negotiation dynamics between labor groups, civil aviation authorities, and the enterprises that coordinate flight safety, scheduling, and passenger services.
Until a formal resolution is reached, stakeholders are watching closely how management responds to demands tied to productivity-linked wages, equitable distribution of profits, and the alignment of compensation with the realities of a recovering aviation market. The talks illustrate how compensation frameworks, contract terms, and operational efficiency intersect in a sector that relies on precise coordination, safety standards, and continuous service levels. The outcome will likely influence future bargaining approaches, not just within the Aena network but across aviation and public-interest sectors facing similar challenges in balancing productivity with fair pay.