Holidaymakers in the Canary Islands must prepare for restrictions over Easter: due to a wage dispute, the CCOO union is calling for a strike in the hotel and hospitality industry.

A widespread strike in the hotel and hospitality industry is looming over the Canary Islands over Easter. According to a report by Cadena SER, the Spanish trade union Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) has called on around 80,000 employees in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife to walk off the job on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. The holiday islands of Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro are among those affected.

The strike is the result of failed collective bargaining negotiations with the employers’ associations Ashotel and AERO. The union is demanding a 6.25% wage increase to compensate for the decline in purchasing power among employees over recent years. According to Cadena SER, the employers’ side most recently offered only a 6% increase spread over several months. This was rejected by the union as insufficient.

Other island groups were able to reach an agreement

While the situation in the province of Las Palmas, which includes Gran Canaria, has been defused – an agreement was reached there on a 9% wage increase and a one-off payment of €650 – there has been no breakthrough in Santa Cruz de Tenerife so far. According to Cadena SER, this was also the reason why the strike call was maintained.

Tourism minister sets minimum services

In view of the impending impact, the Canary Islands’ tourism minister, Jéssica de León, has set minimum services for tourist facilities at short notice, according to a report in La Provincia. The aim is to maintain operations and not leave holidaymakers completely stranded.

According to the report, at least 15% of cleaning staff and 25% of reception and concierge staff must remain on duty during the strike. There are also specific requirements for the catering sector: buffets in hotels must be operated with at least 15% of kitchen and service staff per shift. Minimum standards also apply in the areas of security, hygiene, and maintenance.

Restrictions still likely

Despite these measures, travelers should expect noticeable restrictions. Bars and restaurants, even within hotel complexes, may remain closed or only open to a limited extent. Room service may also be reduced. According to the industry portal Hosteltur, hotel occupancy rates over the Easter holidays are extremely high at over 95%, which is likely to exacerbate the consequences of industrial action.

Union: Strike for justice – employers warn of damage to image

The CCOO union defends the strike as necessary to achieve fair participation of employees in the tourism boom. Employers’ associations, on the other hand, are concerned about the impact on the Canary Islands’ international image as a vacation paradise. According to the newspaper El País, employers see the strike as sending the wrong signal, especially in such an economically important week as Easter.

Is there still hope for an agreement?

It is uncertain whether a compromise will be reached in the remaining days before the start of the holiday. However, union representatives have signaled that they are open to further talks, provided that an improved offer is put on the table.

Holidaymakers in the Canary Islands must prepare for restrictions over Easter: due to a wage dispute, the CCOO union is calling for a strike in the hotel and hospitality industry.