AKIPRESS.COM - Spanish air traffic controllers began a series of partial stoppages on Monday in protest of disciplinary action taken against some members of their union, the USCA, said Global Times.

Sixty-one union members were fined and one sacked for the wildcat strikes which caused chaos when it was called without warning on a holiday weekend in early December 2010.

The strike closed Spanish airspace and caused the government to declare a state of emergency and bring in military air traffic controllers to deal with the chaos.

The USCA has called stoppages on June 8, 10, 12 and 14 in protest over the fact the fines have not been lifted nor have their companions been allowed to return to work.

These stoppages will take place between 10.00 am and 12.00 pm and 6.00 pm and 8.00 pm local time on the four days.

The Spanish Public Works and Transport Ministry assured that a 70-percent minimum service will be maintained, however, around 5,000 flights could be affected over the four days.