Jerez de la Frontera/Brussels – The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is raising serious concerns over working conditions and potential safety risks at liberalised airport control towers in Spain, following a recent meeting with air traffic controllers, represented by ETF-affiliated trade union, Comisiones Obreras (CCOO), at Jerez Airport.
The situation highlights the wider consequences of competitive tendering models being introduced into essential air navigation services across Europe.
Cost Competition at the Expense of Safety In Spain, several airport towers have been opened to competitive market tendering in the context of broader European liberalisation aspirations. In place as a cost-efficiency measure, workers report that the system is now producing potentially dangerous consequences.
At Jerez Airport, tower services are currently operated by Saerco under a contract awarded following what workers describe as a significantly underpriced bid, which failed to properly account for realistic staffing needs and operational costs. Despite these concerns, airport operator Aena proceeded with the award with the blessing of the national competent authority.
Since the beginning of the contract, controllers report:
The result, according to workers, is chronic understaffing that is placing unbearable pressure on remaining controllers.
Growing Fatigue and Labour Standards Concerns Controllers described being regularly contacted outside working hours and feeling compelled to accept additional duties as well as unplanned extensions of duty periods beyond contractual obligations to maintain operational continuity. Some workers reported carrying out tasks during unpaid periods or outside scheduled duty time, raising serious questions about labour standards oversight in one of Europe’s most safety-critical professions.
“Air traffic control depends on concentration and trust,” said ETF ATM Committee Chair, Gauthier Sturtzer, following the meeting. “When staffing levels fall and fatigue increases, safety is put on the line. Safe service provision cannot depend on goodwill or unpaid labour.”
Workers also expressed fear of speaking publicly about conditions due to concerns over professional repercussions.
Regulatory Silence Raises Further Questions ETF understands that CCOO formally raised concerns with the Spanish aviation safety authority, AESA, but did not receive a response.
Legal proceedings initiated by the union confirmed breaches in favour of/in line with workers’ testimonies. However, enforcement mechanisms mean implementation may take several years, leaving the current situation unresolved.
ETF believes this raises broader questions regarding the effectiveness and timeliness of labour and safety oversight mechanisms in liberalised environments.
Operational Impact Felt Beyond the Tower An airline pilot present during the meeting, who asked to remain anonymous, described a noticeable deterioration in operational cooperation at most tendered towers.
According to the pilot, communications have become more rigid and less collaborative, with controllers increasingly unable to accommodate routine operational flexibility requested by flight crews. Controllers, facing staffing pressures and increased individual responsibility, are working strictly “by the book”, reducing the collaborative decision-making culture that supports efficient and safe airport operations.
A Critical Moment Ahead of Contract Renewal With the current tower contract due for renewal in just over a year, ETF believes immediate action is necessary.
Allowing a model based on understaffing and downward pressure on working conditions to be renewed risks creating a precedent across Spain and beyond.
“If contracts can be won through unrealistic staffing assumptions, others will follow, ”Gauthier Sturtzer warned. “That risks triggering a race to the bottom affecting workers, passengers and aviation safety alike. We call upon affected controllers to join the fight for increased staffing levels”
ETF calls on Aena, AESA and the Spanish authorities to:
Finally, ETF calls upon the European Aviation Safety Agency to ensure that the appropriate oversight of contracted services is performed by affected national authorities.
ETF notes indications that Aena is aware of operational concerns at certain tendered towers. However, meaningful action must follow. When working conditions deteriorate, safety culture deteriorates with them. Europe cannot allow essential safety services to become a race to the lowest bidder.