Unions representing almost 200,000 workers in the hospitality sector in the Canaries have served notice of their intention to call strike action at the height of Easter.
The unions say they have no option but to step up actions to secure a deal with employers in the hotel, restaurant and leisure industries following the latest breakdown of talks.
Despite mediation by Canarian tourism minister Jessica de León, the two sides remain far apart on the main point of friction: union demands for a one-off pay increase in addition to any increase agreed in the annual collective sector agreements. The unions point to the loss of purchasing power by hospitality workers due to the spiralling inflation that has affected the Canaries since 2012 and has seen the cost of living here rise by almost 20%.
The employers, led by influential hoteliers’ body Ashotel, are willing to discuss the additional pay increase but are opposed to the 5.45% demanded by the unions.
Ashotel president Jorge Marichal insists that the negotiations must address more global aspects affecting the sector and not just the pay issue, but the unions are holding firm on their position that questions such as flexible working will only be discussed once the pay question is resolved.
Yesterday’s talks failed to break the deadlock and notice is expected to be formally served today that hospitality workers will strike on 17 and 18 April – Easter Thursday and Friday, which are traditionally two of the busiest days of the year for the sector. However, additional talks have been lined up this week in both Santa Cruz and Las Palmas in an attempt to avert the industrial action throughout the Canaries.
Photo: CC.OO.
