Relief for thousands of British holidaymakers as planned strike is cancelled

By James Bryce

INDUSTRIAL action which would have seen thousands of British holidaymakers face travel chaos across Spain during the busiest month of the year has been called off.

Up to 60,000 airport staff, including baggage handlers and other ground staff, had been set to walk out on August 18 and 26 in a protest over the alleged breaking of industrial agreements by handling companies.

But union bosses called off the industrial action following talks on Tuesday, initially planned to discuss providing ‘minimum services’ to travellers.

The first day of strikes would have coincided with the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI in Madrid who is due to take part in World Youth Day.

There were 5.9 million British visitors to Spain in the first six months of 2011, including 1.5 million in June.