The USO (Unión Sindical Obrera, a Spanish trade union representing workers across multiple sectors, including aviation, transport, and public services) union has organised demonstrations this Tuesday, 7 October, International Decent Work Day, at several Spanish airports, including Palma and Maó. The union is demanding that the process to recognise handling sector workers as eligible for early retirement through reduction coefficients be launched as soon as possible.
USO describes this work as “essential” for the operation of airports, carried out under “extremely harsh” conditions. Workers face continuous physical strain, high stress levels, and daily exposure to both pollutants and the elements.
According to the union, these conditions make it all the more urgent that handling staff are included in the list of activities that qualify for reduced retirement age. The gatherings are intended to draw attention to the issue and press the authorities to act.
USO has organised similar demonstrations at airports across Spain, including Madrid, Jerez, Málaga, Valencia, and Vigo. The union hopes that visible, coordinated action will highlight the vital role of these workers in the aviation sector.
Royal Decree 402/2025, of 27 May, sets out the procedure for recognising arduous, toxic, dangerous, or unhealthy work that justifies the application of reduction coefficients for retirement age. However, handling workers are currently excluded from this provision, prompting the union’s call for immediate action.