02-04-2025
Easter holiday warning as Canary Islands hotel workers threaten to strike
British holidaymakers heading to the Canary Islands this Easter could be impacted by strike action as hotel workers plan to walk out in a dispute over pay. The strike is planned for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
The industrial action is being called for by trade unions CCOO and UGT Canarias, who argue that frontline hospitality workers in the hotel industry are not benefiting from the tourism boom experience post-pandemic, with 'wages remaining stagnant despite record breaking profits', local news site Canarian Weekly reports.
Talks between unions and employers have yet to result in an agreement. But 'some progress has been made regarding shift patterns and working conditions, particularly for housekeeping staff.'
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Strike action could be avoided if the dispute is resolved at a meeting planned for this Friday, April 4, when employers present their latest proposal on wages. If not, plans for strike action will be 'solidified'.
Union leaders Borja Suárez (CCOO) and Francisco González (UGT Canarias) have said they are open to negotiations in terms of pay, but will not negotiate on the principle of fair compensation.
According to Canarian Weekly, they 'stress that the success of the tourism and hospitality industry, one of the Canary Islands' economic lifelines, is largely built on the hard work of employees whose wages have not kept pace with rising profits or inflation.'
González has described the current offer as 'insufficient' and has emphasised the 'vital role' played by hospitality staff 'that underpins the region's tourism success, and must be compensated accordingly.' This has also been backed by Suárez.
On Monday, the Hospitality Union Table announced its support for the strike, 'giving the movement additional momentum ahead of the Easter travel rush.'
There is the possibility that the strike 'could have a significant impact on the tourism-dependent region', especially during the busy Easter period.
However, union representatives have said their objective isn't to disrupt the holiday season, but to 'ensure that hospitality workers finally receive fair and just recognition for their contribution to the Canary Islands' economic success.'
Holidaymakers should contact their hotel or holiday provider if they have any concerns.
These strikes are different to the protest movements against mass tourism held across the Canary Islands last Easter, and again in October 2024.
Thousands of residents took to the streets raising concerns over the impact of tourists on local infrastructure, housing and the environment.
Similar protests also took place in other popular Spanish holiday destinations. It's not yet known if more demonstrations like these are planned this year.
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