The union representing thousands of airport workers in the Balearic Islands has accused Palma Airport of forcing staff to work in “hellish” conditions during the height of the summer season, citing extreme heat, a lack of toilets and insufficient access to drinking water. The Federation of Citizens’ Services of CCOO (FSC-CCOO) said employees were being left without “answers or solutions” despite repeated complaints. In a statement, the union described the situation as “unsustainable” and criticised both airport operator Aena and subcontracted companies for failing to
act. It said concerns had repeatedly been raised with the Labour Inspectorate, the Balearic Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (Ibassal) and workplace committees, but workers had seen little improvement. According to CCOO, staff are being exposed to dangerous conditions as another record summer gets under way at Palma’s Son Sant Joan Airport. The union claims extreme temperatures in terminals and on the airside apron, combined with a shortage of toilets, limited drinking water facilities and a lack of shaded rest areas, are putting employees’
health at risk during the busiest period of the year. The union is calling for immediate action, including the automatic activation of heat protocols without waiting for official weather warnings from Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). It argues that temperatures on the airside apron regularly exceed official readings because of heat radiating from the tarmac, aircraft engines and poor ventilation. CCOO also says air conditioning remains ineffective in parts of the terminal and is demanding more staff toilets, additional free drinking water points and dedicated
shaded rest areas. CCOO has warned it will not tolerate another summer of what it describes as “empty promises” and has urged Aena and companies responsible for services including ground handling, security and cleaning to address the issues without delay. The union says it is prepared to step up industrial action if improvements are not made before conditions deteriorate further.
Palma Airport, Son Sant Joan, FSC-CCOO, Aena, heat protocols, AEMET, Ibassal, Labour Inspectorate, ground handling, security, cleaning, workers protests