Canary Islands hotel workers threaten strike over pay during Easter holidays

Spain is currently facing potential industrial action as hospitality workers in the Canary Islands are proposing a strike during the Easter holiday period due to ongoing disputes regarding their pay. The two major trade unions, CCOO (Comisiones Obreras) and UGT (Unión General de Trabajadores), have put forward proposals for either a one-off payment or a wage increase of 7.75%, aimed at helping these workers cope with increasing living costs. The employers, particularly in Las Palmas, are considering the one-off payment option to avoid industrial action, with a final decision expected soon. Authorities are eager to prevent a repetition of mass protests experienced in 2024 when thousands protested against the current tourism strategy in the region, advocating for a more balanced approach toward both tourism and local communities. The escalating cost of living in the Canaries is reportedly pushing many hospitality workers into living conditions that are less than ideal, with statistics revealing a high percentage of the population is at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Currently, around 35% of the GDP of the Canary Islands is reliant on tourism, yet local sentiments reflect discontent over rapid development at the expense of natural resources and affordable housing for residents. This situation has led to serious concerns regarding workers' welfare and sustainability of the tourism industry in the islands, emphasizing the need for improved wages and working conditions amidst calls for a re-evaluation of the business model that governs the tourism sector on the islands. The ongoing dialogue around these issues promises to unfold in the coming days as the decision on wage proposals is awaited.