Iberia strike ended

A strike by Iberia airline staff has come to a premature end following negotiations.

Pilots at the carrier had balloted for strike action which began last Monday and had been set to run until Saturday July 15th.

The industrial action caused widespread chaos across Europe as passengers flying with the carrier were left stranded and looking for alternative flights, with around 240 scheduled Iberia flights being grounded over the course of the strike.

Pilots have been calling on Iberia to provide them with guarantees that the creation of a new low-cost carrier operated by the airline would not result in job cuts.

These assurances were given to union bosses by Iberia's hierarchy this week and although no agreement as to a new pay deal was reached, the unions have called off the strike.

It is believed that the grounding of so many of Iberia's aircraft cost the firm as much as £3.5 million per day, while customers who have missed flights are being offered alternative flights or refunds.

"Iberia is glad that the strike has ended, and thanks its customers for their confidence and their understanding in these difficult circumstances," commented a spokeswoman for the airline.