I have been flying to Spain for 25 years now and have always found Spanish ATC to be one of the most helpful around. Many times I have saved 15 minutes due to direct routings. I am appalled at the above post. It would appear that the Ryanair-isation of ATC has arrived. Safety will be compromised by the imposed conditions as described above. I wish my Spanish colleagues every success in fighting for their pay and conditions. In the meantime, I will note the extra fuel I burn on SID/Stars and voyage report it to my company with the reason. Not much, but my little bit to help the cause.