Members of several Italian labour unions are set to walk out on Friday (24 November), while Spanish ground handlers will strike early next month.

The three Italian unions organising the action represent airport and for airline workers, and are demanding improved salaries and workers’ rights, Crisis 24 reports. 

Friday’s action will run from 12.01am to 11.59pm, although flights operating between 7am and 10am, and 6pm to 9pm, are guaranteed by law.

However, knock-on delays and cancellations are expected as authorities tackle the backlog of flights. The Foreign Office has advised travellers to seek updates from their booking provider.

"A 24-hour national strike of airport, airline and ground handling staff is expected on 24 November, " the FCDO confirmed in an update to its travel advice on Wednesday (22 November).

Spanish ground handlers, meanwhile, are expected to walk out between 4 and 10 December, coinciding with public holidays on 6 and 8 December.

Spain’s main trade union said it was calling the strike due to “constant non-compliance in labour matters by all companies” over the last seven years, according to The Local. 

UGT, Spain’s general union of workers, said it was calling the strike due to Spanish airport operator Aena continuing "without a real, concrete and clear commitment” on how to act in situations of non-compliance with its labour agreements.