Iberia pilots are set to take part in strike action this December over plans by IAG to set up a Spanish budget carrier.

The walkouts have been called for 18 December and 29 December with pilots claiming salaries at Iberia Express will be too low.

The launch of Iberia Express is due to take place in spring 2012 with Iberia deploying 40 aircraft.

Pilots are in fear that job losses will follow with Iberia hiring new staff at lower salaries.

A vote on the industrial action will be held next week as pilots’ union SEPLA said Iberia had rejected its proposals for a compromise.

Justo Peral, union president, said: “Sepla has decided to adopt the last measure which we wanted to adopt: a strike.”

The new airline being established by Iberia and British Airways owner IAG is to run short and medium range flights from Madrid, where there has been increased competition from other low-cost carriers and high speed trains.

Unions representing other Iberia workers have decided not to take part in the strike.

Photo by Andres Rueda