Holidaymakers travelling through Palma Airport this summer could face delays and disruption after workers assisting elderly and disabled passengers announced plans for strike action. The Works Committee of the service attending People with Reduced Mobility (PMR) at Palma Airport has declared an indefinite partial strike starting on 25 May, citing serious labour issues and what it describes as an unresponsive employer, Adelte.
The planned walkouts will take place in shifts from Monday to Sunday, covering hours from early morning to late evening, including full-day strikes on Saturdays.
Staff responsible for helping passengers with reduced mobility say they are being pushed to breaking point by staff shortages, long shifts and increasing pressure during the busy tourist season. The workers, employed by airport assistance services at Palma Airport, warn that conditions have become “unsustainable” as Mallorca prepares for another record summer of tourism.
According to the Committee, workers recorded more than 9,000 hours of unplanned overtime last year, with the situation worsening in recent months as April alone accounted for over 1,800 extra hours. The union claims some employees accumulated as many as 95 additional working hours between January and April due to ongoing staff shortages at Palma Airport.
The planned strike action could affect services for passengers requiring wheelchair assistance, elderly travellers and people with disabilities at one of Spain’s busiest airports.
Tourism figures suggest Mallorca is expecting another exceptionally busy summer, with millions of British visitors set to pass through the airport over the coming months. If strike action goes ahead, passengers needing special assistance could experience longer waiting times and delays moving through the terminal.
Unions say they are demanding improved working conditions and more staffing support before the summer rush intensifies further. So far, airport operator Aena has not indicated whether contingency plans will be introduced if the strikes proceed.