In this sense, the normal takeoff of all inter-island flights was guaranteed, as well as those connecting the Island with the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. Only the operations that took place between Lanzarote and abroad suffered minor delays, although in no case were they worrying or caused the cancellation of said flights.
The island director of the General State Administration, Marcial Martín Bermúdez, confirmed to this newspaper the tranquility with which the first day of the strike had passed, while expressing his desire that this situation of relative calm be maintained during the days in which the conflict lasts. In this sense, Martín Bermúdez pointed out that transport is considered an essential public service, hence the importance of carrying out the minimum services so that there is no massive cancellation of operations.
Restore tranquility to Guacimeta
The island director also urged both parties to meet in order to reach an agreement that would restore tranquility to the Guacimeta facilities, since "the airport is where most of the island's wealth enters, and we cannot give a negative image to those who visit us."
Finally, Marcial Martín recalled that with the one that is currently taking place, the airport facilities have suffered a total of three strikes in the last year - that of air traffic controllers, that of cleaning staff and finally that of handling workers - with the negative effects they cause to those who visit the Island, and hence the importance of reaching a prompt solution.
Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Iberia's ground staff began an indefinite strike last Sunday at Lanzarote airport to show their disagreement with the transfer of workers to the Binter company, which is creating its own handling service. The works council also complains about the "abuse" of temporary contracts by the airline, which has already prompted a warning from the Labor Inspectorate. The stoppages, which threaten to collapse the aerodrome, will take place every Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week until 03:00 hours.
According to sources from the works council, up to 69 workers (40 permanent and 29 temporary) will have to negotiate their dismissal or access a voluntary subrogation to the Binter company, which would mean "the loss of job stability and salary cuts."
In addition, the strike is motivated by the "breach" of the local employment improvement agreement. The ground staff affirms that Iberia committed to converting the part-time contracts of 51 workers into full-time and, for the moment, this reform "has left out 6 colleagues".
Finally, the strikers also demand that the law on prevention of occupational hazards be complied with.
