Hotel workers across Tenerife and several of the nearby islands launched a two-day strike and protest campaign during the Easter holidays which is one of the busiest times of the year for the industry. The industrial action took place yesterday and today involving nearly 80,000 hospitality workers from Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. This comes following a proposed agreement which included a 6% pay rise, was deemed inadequate by unions and rejected.
The UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has now said: “Industrial action is planned in the hospitality sector in Tenerife over the Easter bank holiday weekend. If you’re due to travel to Tenerife this weekend, check your operator’s advice and follow the advice of authorities.”
The industrial action is taking place following failed negotiations between unions and employer associations.
The offer included a 6% salary increase, improved workplace ergonomics like adjustable beds and a commitment to continue negotiations by the end of April.
This was rejected by union representatives, who said this was insufficient.
In Las Palmas, however, which includes Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, the strike was avoided after a deal was reached that offers hotel workers a £557 bonus and a 9% salary increase over the next year.
The CCOO union said in a press release: “The imposition of minimum services constitutes an illegitimate, disproportionate, and legally unsustainable restriction on the fundamental right to strike.”
Union officials estimate overall participation across Tenerife and nearby islands at around 70%, with high turnout particularly noted in those working in food and kitchen departments, Canarian Weekly reported.
Thousands took to the streets yesterday with many protesting in South Tenerife where over 80% of hotel workers reportedly participated.
