MALLORCA TODAY - More abuses by AENA claimed by Palma air-traffic controllers

The air-traffic controllers are really cranking up the propaganda war, alleging that AENA, the airports authority, has been using an agreement whereby controllers can be called in to cover emergencies to the extent that it has become almost standard practice caused, not by excessive staff absence but by a lack of staff. In addition, it is said that AENA changed shifts of two controllers without giving the necessary month's notice that was agreed when the two sides went to arbitration last year.

It might be remembered that the arbitration resulted from the strike by controllers in Spain in December 2010, a dispute which has not been fully resolved by the legal system as there are outstanding cases against named controllers to be finally judged and which carry the possibility of lengthy prison sentences.

See more: El Mundo

MALLORCA TODAY - Palma air-traffic controllers threaten closure of control tower

Air-traffic controllers at Palma airport could bring the airport to a standstill in September if demands regarding shifts and days off are not met by the airports authority AENA. The next weeks would appear to be crucial in the relationship between the two sides that has been deteriorating, the controllers having denounced AENA to the employment ministry and threatening the "immediate paralysing" of work.

See more: El Mundo

MALLORCA TODAY - German air-traffic control strike

German air-traffic controllers are due to strike tomorrow for six hours (from 04.00 to 10.00 GMT). The strike will affect all of Germany's 16 international airports, most of which serve Mallorca.

MALLORCA TODAY - Air-traffic controllers face eight year sentences

Air-traffic controllers in the Balearics who took part in the stoppage in early December last year are facing sentences of between four and eight years at trials now under way in Palma. The charges against the controllers, who absented themselves with alleged sickness, relate to laws to do with air navigation and with performing public work and duties.