Christmas Iberial pilot strike looks unavoidable, union claims

31st Oct 2011 12:24

Justo Peral, head of the SEPLA labour union, believes that a pilot strike at Spanish airline Iberia is unavoidable during the upcoming Christmas season.Peral stated that the Spanish company plans to offer a pilot the same €26,000 per year salary as a flight attendant, reports broadcaster ABC.In regards to Iberia's plans to create a low cost company, the SEPLA representative said its legal advisers believe Iberia's plans are illegal. The union's law firm is preparing a suit. Peral said that they will not wait for a judicial resolution because the legal system in Spain is too slow.A large majority of pilots at the Spanish airline decided to hold a strike following the general elections in order to oppose the creation of a low-cost company.IATA: POSITIVE TRAFFIC DATA FOR SEPTEMBERInternational air traffic experienced a positive month of September, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Passenger traffic rose 5.6%, compared to September of last year and 4.6% from August 2011's levels.On the other hand, the load factor fell 2.7% in September, a slight deterioration from August (-2.4%). IATA says the fifth consecutive negative month for this type of traffic is due to lower consumer and business confidence.At 12:05pm, IAG is down 0.55 to €1.97.M.D.