MADRID – Spanish air traffic controllers have called partial strikes over four days in June as the summer holiday season kicks off, triggering memories of the traffic chaos they caused in 2010.

The USCA controllers’ labours union called the strike Wednesday to protest fines and suspensions against 61 members for their part in the strike in 2010 that wreaked havoc for travellers across Europe.

The union plans two-hour morning and evening stoppages June 8, 10, 12 and 14.

Spain placed the country’s airspace under military management in December 2010 after controllers staged a 24-hour wildcat strike over work conditions that closed Spain’s airports and left 600,000 travellers stranded ahead of a national holiday.

It was the first time Spain implemented a “state of alarm” since the country returned to democracy in 1978.