MADRID, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Security staff at Spain's second biggest airport on Thursday voted to start an indefinite strike over pay and conditions.
Workers at Barcelona's Barcelona-El Prat airport voted by 175 votes in favor and just two against to begin the strike at midnight on Thursday after failing to reach an agreement with airport authorities, according to local newspaper La Vanguardia.
The security staff had asked for improved pay and working conditions, including longer breaks during shirts and a supplement of one euro an hour (1.12 U.S. dollars) for the "extra physical and mental demands" at times when there is an extra heavy workload, such as during the holiday season.
They had also asked for free car parking at the airport, which is approximately 12 kilometers from the city center, as well as improved training.
The strike is certain to cause delays to passengers travelling from Barcelona, because although the Spanish Government Delegate in Barcelona has set minimum services at 90 percent, unions consider this "abusive" and warned it will be difficult to fulfil the requirement due to workers being on holiday and also on sick leave.
