On Monday, February 18, Iberia workers in Spain started the first of 15 days of strike against the company's "restructuring" plans which involve making 20% of the workforce (3,800 workers) redundant.
About 8,000 workers marched from the different sites at the Barajas airport in Madrid to the flagship Terminal 4 building, blocking all road access to the airport. When they finally arrived they were met with a heavy presence of riot police aimed at preventing them from entering the building. With loud shouting of "Yes we can!" (Sí se puede), the workers burst through the police lines and occupied Terminal 4.
The mood of the workers was one of anger but also of determination and confidence in seeing their own collective power. Despite the fact that today no demonstrations had been organised, they spontaneously occupied Terminal 4 again.
The militancy of the Iberia workers is exemplary. Here are a few videos which give an idea of the mood:
March towards Terminal 4:
Bursting through police lines:
Occupying Terminal 4:
Occupying Terminal 4 again today, February 19: