Chaos continues on third day of security strikes at Spain's busiest airport

Spain’s largest and busiest airport, Madrid-Barajas entered a third day of travel chaos this Tuesday, September 16th due to the ongoing strikes by security personnel.

The indefinite walkout by employees of security firm Trabilisa caused passengers to wait for up to an hour this morning to get through baggage control and check points according to Efe news agency.

Spain’s national carrier Iberia also raised concerns but admitted that the situation has improved somewhat since the strikes began on Sunday September 14th.

Those flying from Madrid airport this Tuesday are advised to arrive well in advance and check in their carry-on luggage to speed up the queue through security.

Waiting times reached around an hour and a half on Sunday and Monday and according to Iberia, caused some 1,900 passengers to miss their flights.

A total of 21 out of over 800 Trabilsa security employees have joined the indefinite strike, denouncing the "exorbitant" workload at Barajas compared to other airports.

They are demanding salary increases, compensation, and the implementation of a "Madrid bonus" for all airport staff.

Trabilsa staff are tasked with airport security controls such as checking bags, operating X-ray machines and carrying out manual checks on individuals.

The security company has asked the Regional Institute of Mediation and Arbitration of the Community of Madrid to declare the strike "illegal and abusive".

It believes the walkout by some of its staff members violates legal and formal job requirements and has announced it will file a lawsuit against those who have chosen to strike.

They also added that the Government Delegation in the Community of Madrid has established minimum services of 100 percent for the strike, "a decision of the utmost importance that underscores the essential nature of guaranteeing security and control in a critical infrastructure”.

So far though, customers are still be affected by the stoppage. It was hoped that an agreement would be reached by now but as of yet there is no end in sight.