Over 170,000 tourism workers in the Canary Islands are planning a major strike, threatening disruption to the region’s thriving holiday industry during the Easter period.
UK tourists heading to the Canary Islands this Easter may face significant disruptions as over 170,000 tourism sector employees are poised to strike. The strike action, scheduled for Holy Thursday and Good Friday on April 17 and 18, is expected to affect some of the region’s most popular tourist destinations, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote.
The strike is being organized by major unions, including UGT Canarias and the Workers’ Commissions trade union (CCOO), with workers citing poor working conditions and inadequate wages. The CCOO union emphasized that ongoing negotiations have failed to yield an agreement, leading to escalating tensions between employers and workers.
CCOO representative Borja Suarez highlighted the broader issues at stake, stating, “This is about ensuring our colleagues’ health, improving work-life balance, and securing a better quality of life for all involved in the tourism industry.”
Union Leaders Speak Out
The unions argue that workers in the Canary Islands’ tourism sector are being treated unfairly, with many struggling to make ends meet despite contributing significantly to the region’s economic success. The CCOO issued a statement expressing frustration over what they see as a lack of respect for collective bargaining and workers’ rights, saying, “We have worked hard for over a century to abolish conditions that resemble slavery. Yet, many of us still struggle to make a living wage.”
In a passionate plea, union officials remarked, “Do you really think that with 500 coins, you can buy the dignity of the working people of the province?”
Potential Impact on Tourism
The strike could significantly affect the Canary Islands, a region heavily reliant on tourism for its economic stability. However, union representatives have stressed that their goal is not to disrupt the holiday season but to secure fair wages and improved conditions for workers who have long been underpaid despite the booming tourism trade.
According to Canarian Weekly, the strike’s impact on tourism is likely to be felt most in the region’s busiest tourist hubs. “The strike could have a substantial effect during one of the busiest times of the year,” the outlet reported.
While the unions aim to keep the strike peaceful, the potential for unrest remains high. If disruptions occur or protests intensify, there could be a negative impact on the region’s reputation as a tourist destination. A spokesperson for the unions reassured the public, saying, “If the strike proceeds peacefully without major disruptions, the destination’s image will not be significantly affected.”
A Call for Fairness
The strikes come at a time when the Canary Islands’ tourism industry is experiencing high demand, with UK tourists flocking to the region for Easter holidays. As unions press for better conditions, the workers hope that their voices will be heard and that their demands for fairer pay and better treatment will lead to meaningful changes within the industry.
As the situation unfolds, UK holidaymakers are advised to monitor developments closely, as further disruptions may occur if negotiations fail to resolve the ongoing tensions.
