Iberia Suing Pilots Union Over Action

January 9, 2009

Spanish airline Iberia said on Friday it is suing the pilots union SEPLA and its bosses for more than EUR13 million euros (USD$17.78 million) in damages for delays and cancellations to flights since December.

It said that between December 4 and December 31 it had been forced to cancel nearly 500 flights and flight punctuality had fallen to 40 percent because of pilots operating what Iberia called an illegal work-to-rule action.

Iberia is claiming December costs including: damage to its reputation; having to contract 152 flights with other operators; and putting passengers with delayed flights up in hotels.

"The company will verify at the moment of trial what additional damage is being caused by the work-to-rule after December 31," Iberia said in a statement.

SEPLA blames Iberia's management for the delays and cancellations to flights. SEPLA said there is a shortage of pilots and poor planning.

They maintain that pilots are within their rights to work strictly in accordance with their contracts while a new collective agreement is being negotiated.

The two sides met again for talks on Friday, but no news of a breakthrough was forthcoming.

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