Dispute disrupts flights at Madrid airport

An ongoing dispute between employees and management at national carrier Iberia Airlines caused delays and disruptions at Madrid Barajas International Airport (LEMD/MAD) on 3 January 2009. Airport authorities stated that at least 32 domestic and international flights were canceled because of an unannounced work-to-rule labor action by Iberian pilots and crewmembers. The airport was also reportedly backlogged with flights from one day ago when air traffic controllers called in sick, forcing two of the airport's four runways to be shut down. An Iberia Airlines spokesman told reporters that the airline was able to resume normal operations by mid afternoon on 3 January. Labor organizers warned that further strike actions could occur if their demands are not met.