Jurídicos y Administrativos

💬 El Senado convocó a Javier Hidalgo, exCEO de Globalia, para aclarar su posible conexión con el 'caso Koldo' y la implicación de Air Europa en una trama corrupta. Hidalgo, que residía en Botsuana, está inubicable desde el 10 de octubre. Se programó su comparecencia para el 22 de este mes tras no poder entregarle una citación para el 7 de noviembre. PP solicita ayuda al gobierno para localizarlo, incluyendo el uso de embajadas si ha salido de España. La comparecencia se justifica por los lazos de Hidalgo con Begoña Gómez, esposa del presidente Pedro Sánchez, durante el rescate de Air Europa en la pandemia.

📄 On November 8, 2024, the article discusses the benefits of outsourcing administrative services to save on social charges, fixed costs, and expenses. Outsourcing allows companies to focus on growth and compliance with regulations, particularly with the growth of digital transformation. Key services include accounting, payroll, and travel management, with tools like ZTravel for expense management. Companies often outsource when facing rapid growth, regulatory changes, or the need to optimize internal resources. Specialized service providers can conduct external audits to ensure best practices and legal compliance. Zucchetti Spain offers a range of solutions, including Solmicro ERP for business management and Zucchetti HR for payroll and compliance with timekeeping regulations.

🚁 The European Commission proposes changes to the definition of combined travel which are being reviewed by the European Parliament and Council of Europe, expected to finalize by 2026. The European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Association (ECTAA) opposes the proposed "unfeasible refund rules". The German travel agency association DRV emphasizes the need to avoid over-regulation and maintain service diversity. Concerns arise over the legal implications of considering individual services as combined travel, contradicting basic contract law principles.

📌 Hotel owners in Spain are considering two courses of action to counteract Royal Decree 933/2021, which will require them to collect 42 data points from each client—up from 14—starting December 2. Cehat's General Secretary, Ramón Estalella, references a recent EU Court of Justice ruling that mass data collection is incompatible with EU privacy norms. Cehat's legal advisors argue for a higher-ranking organic law rather than a decree law, which they consider inappropriate for measures affecting fundamental rights like privacy.

🛫 Lufthansa was expected to make a second payment of €325 million for 41% of ITA's shares. The German company argued for a reduction between €50-200 million due to worse-than-expected market conditions. Italy insists on the original price, citing better performance by ITA since last summer. The Italian government will retain 59% ownership, raising concerns about the management relationship without mutual trust.

✈️ Iberojet, owned by Ávoris, will negotiate its first collective bargaining agreement with pilot union Sepla, which has been acknowledged as the legitimate representative for pilots. The negotiation table has been set, aiming to enhance employment conditions for pilots.

✈️ Vueling's pilots in Spain, represented by Sepla, ratified a pre-agreement for the IV Collective Agreement with a 77.7% approval and 90.2% turnout. The agreement, effective upon ratification, builds on the current agreement set to expire on December 31, 2024, and includes economic, labor, professional development, and social benefits. The pact aims for a balanced model that shares the company's success with employees.

🛈 Ávoris, along with Viajes el Corte Inglés, IAG7, and Nautalia, are under investigation by Spain's CNMC for suspicions regarding their participation in a public tender for a centralized travel service contract for the State Administration. The investigation, which began officially in December 2023, could result in fines up to 10% of the companies' total turnover if found liable. The CNMC's resolution is expected by late 2025, a maximum of 24 months from the start of the investigation. Meanwhile, Ávoris has not set aside provisions for potential penalties, considering the risks "not probable," and maintains the investigation does not prejudge the outcome.

👤 The Spanish Senate has requested the Interior, Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Industry and Commerce ministries to locate Javier Hidalgo, ex-CEO of Globalia, for a commission investigating the 'Koldo case'. Hidalgo was called to appear on November 7 after the commission's decision on October 10. However, despite multiple attempts, the Ministry of the Interior has been unable to serve him the summons. Reports suggest Hidalgo has been residing in Botswana for a long period. The Senate is also seeking help from the Spanish embassies abroad, the Tax Agency, and the Ministry of Industry and Tourism. Seven attempts by the Balearic Parliament to have Hidalgo testify on a separate investigation concerning mask transportation have also failed.

🏖️ ECTAA, the major European travel agency lobby, warns against the potential modification of the Package Travel Directive. Proposed changes include intermediaries refunding cancellations within 14 days, while providers must refund agencies in 7 days. ECTAA finds this unrealistic as providers often fail to meet these deadlines. President Frank Oostdam states the regulations are nearly impossible to implement and could harm indirect distribution channels to the detriment of consumers. ECTAA also fears misuse of customer data by transport operators and opposes limiting deposits to 25% of the total amount, payable no later than 28 days before the trip.