The union representing Spain’s air traffic controllers said it would not strike this month, which would have disrupted flights at the peak of the tourist season.

“The executive committee has decided not to exercise the right to strike during the month of August in order to demonstrate responsibility,” said Cesar Cap, the head of communications at the Union of Air Traffic Controllers (USCA). Spanish air traffic controllers voted by an overwhelming majority on August 3 to strike over government changes to their working conditions.

Last Friday they broke off negotiations with the state-run airport management authority, AENA.

Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero called on the controllers to make a decision “as soon as possible” on whether to call a strike, which he said has already caused “uncertainty” and “negative effects”.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) also urged AENA and the controllers to take “all measures possible” to avoid strike action, which would damage the country’s key tourist industry.

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