diff --git a/python-urllib3.changes b/python-urllib3.changes
index 9eca626..4f72a55 100644
--- a/python-urllib3.changes
+++ b/python-urllib3.changes
@@ -1,3 +1,8 @@
+-------------------------------------------------------------------
+Mon Feb 12 12:14:42 UTC 2018 - normand@linux.vnet.ibm.com
+
+- disable more flaky tests specifically for PowerPC
+
 -------------------------------------------------------------------
 Sun Dec 31 14:39:03 UTC 2017 - dimstar@opensuse.org
 
diff --git a/python-urllib3.spec b/python-urllib3.spec
index 2db3888..eb9e925 100644
--- a/python-urllib3.spec
+++ b/python-urllib3.spec
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 #
 # spec file for package python-urllib3
 #
-# Copyright (c) 2017 SUSE LINUX GmbH, Nuernberg, Germany.
+# Copyright (c) 2018 SUSE LINUX GmbH, Nuernberg, Germany.
 #
 # All modifications and additions to the file contributed by third parties
 # remain the property of their copyright owners, unless otherwise agreed
@@ -84,6 +84,13 @@ Highlights
 %python_install
 
 %check
+
+skiplist='not test_select_interrupt_exception and not test_selector_error and not timeout'
+case $(uname -m) in
+ppc*)
+skiplist="$skiplist and not test_select_timing and not test_select_multiple_interrupts_with_event and not test_interrupt_wait_for_read_with_event and not test_select_interrupt_with_event";;
+esac
+
 rm -rf build
 # pretend to be TRAVIS (this triggers timing tolerance)
 export TRAVIS=1
@@ -91,7 +98,7 @@ export TRAVIS=1
                 --ignore=test/appengine \
                 --ignore=test/with_dummyserver/test_proxy_poolmanager.py \
                 --ignore=test/with_dummyserver/test_poolmanager.py \
-                -k 'not test_select_interrupt_exception and not test_selector_error and not timeout' \
+                -k "${skiplist}" \
                 urllib3 test}
 
 %files %{python_files}