Ongoing Airport Disputes: Groundforce Strikes Suspended for Vital Negotiations
Friday, April 10th, 2026
There is a glimmer of hope for travellers at Alicante-Elche Airport. Following several days of disruption, the trade unions CCOO, UGT, and USO have officially suspended their planned industrial action for this Friday, 10th April.
This suspension follows a similar pause on Wednesday, providing a much-needed window for dialogue. Union representatives are meeting with management from Groundforce, one of the ground handling teams at Alicante Airport, to negotiate a settlement and potentially end a dispute that has cast a shadow over the spring travel season.
Why is the strike happening?
The core of the conflict lies in a long-standing pay dispute. Unions claim that Groundforce management has failed to honour salary commitments agreed upon in their collective bargaining agreement. They argue that a “unilateral interpretation” of contract clauses has led to a significant loss of purchasing power for approximately 3,000 workers during a period of high inflation.
What do Ground Handling Staff actually do?
It is easy to overlook the ground crew until things go wrong, but they are the engine room of the airport. Their responsibilities include:
- Baggage Handling: Sorting, loading, and unloading suitcases from the aircraft hold.
- Ramp Services: Guiding aircraft to their stands, operating passenger stairs, and managing “push-back” tugs.
- Refuelling and Cleaning: Ensuring planes are serviced and ready for their next leg.
- Cargo Management: Handling the freight and mail that flies alongside passengers.
These “background operations” are vital for the smooth running of an airport. The lack of ground staff can cause considerable chaos and lead to significant flight delays.
A Recap: The “Indefinite” Nature of the Strike
Since the 30th of March, Groundforce staff have been striking every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during three specific windows:
- 05:00 – 07:00
- 11:00 – 17:00
- 22:00 – 00:00
While twelve major Spanish airports are affected, including Madrid, Barcelona, and Málaga, passengers here at Alicante have felt the impact keenly. It is important to note that while today’s action is suspended, the indefinite strike notice remains active. If today’s negotiations fail, the strikes are expected to resume their normal schedule starting next Monday.
A Bullet Dodged: The Menzies Update
Just before Easter, a second handling company, Menzies, also planned a series of walkouts. Fortunately, a last-minute deal was struck, averting what would have been a catastrophic “double strike” over the busy Easter weekend. This has significantly reduced the overall level of chaos, leaving Groundforce as the primary source of ongoing disruption.
Advice for Passengers at Alicante Airport
With negotiations currently underway, the situation is fluid. If you are flying via Alicante early next week, we recommend the following:
- Check your flight status: Before leaving for the airport, check your airline’s app or website.
- Arrive early: Aim to be at the terminal a little earlier than usual, in case of delays at the airport.
- Hand luggage only: If possible, travel with cabin bags only to bypass potential issues with baggage handling and reclaimed suitcases.
- Know your rights: Under UK and EU passenger rights (UK261/EC261), if your flight is cancelled or delayed significantly, your airline is still responsible for providing food, refreshments, and accommodation, even if the strike is considered an “extraordinary circumstance.”