HispanicBusiness

Some 1,300 flights are to be cancelled in Spain this week, Iberia sources said Monday, as the airline's employees stage the second of three five-day strikes.

The strike will affect flights by Iberia and related airlines using its ground services. The cancellations will include 400 Iberia flights, 434 of Air Nostrum, 316 of Vueling and 100 of Iberia Express.

Iberia said 38,000 of the 40,000 affected passengers have been booked on alternative flights. The rest can request new flights or get their money back.

Cabin crew, pilots and ground employees are protesting Iberia's plans to cut 3,807 jobs - nearly 20 per cent of its workforce.

Iberia reported an operating loss of 351 million euros (456 million dollars) in 2012, its owner International Airlines Group said last week.

A government-appointed expert is mediating between Iberia and trade unions in an attempt to end the stoppages.