Tourists planning a trip to Tenerife this summer might need to pack a Plan B along with their sunscreen, as hotel staff on the popular Canary Island are threatening to strike every Friday in July and August. A final decision on these industrial actions, which have the potential to significantly impact Tenerife’s tourism, is expected on June 16th.
What’s Behind the Imminent Tenerife Strike?
The potential industrial action stems from stalled wage negotiations. Unions representing hotel and hospitality workers across Tenerife are demanding a 6.5% pay raise. So far, hotel management has not agreed to this demand, prompting the unions to threaten weekly strikes starting July 4th. Union representatives emphasize they are fighting for fair wages, arguing that the soaring profits from mass tourism are not adequately reaching employees. Employers have been given a deadline of June 16th to reach an agreement. Should no resolution be found by then, the strikes could begin as announced on the first Friday of July and continue until the end of August.
Is the Tenerife Strike a Done Deal?
No, at present, the strikes are not yet definitively confirmed. The industrial actions are merely a proposal from the unions. A vote on whether to proceed will take place on June 16th. An agreement reached before this date could still completely avert the strikes. Hotel owners, for their part, remain “moderately optimistic” about reaching a timely agreement through official negotiations. It’s currently a stalemate that could change at any moment.
Important Information for Tenerife Tourists in July and August
If you have booked a vacation in Tenerife for July or August, there are a few important points to consider:
- Stay Informed: Monitor the news after June 16th for the final decision on the strikes. Up-to-date information can be found, for example, on Nachrichten.es.
- Potential Disruptions: If the strikes occur, expect protests outside major hotels every Friday. This could lead to limited staff and potential interruptions in services such as food preparation, room cleaning, and reception.
- Unaffected Services: Beaches will remain open, ferries will continue to operate, and many local cafes and bars will welcome tourists as usual.
- Local Differences: Smaller guesthouses and family-run hotels, particularly in areas like La Orotava or San Cristobal, may be less or not at all affected by the strikes.
Tips for Travelers: How to Handle a Strike in Tenerife
If you find yourself in Tenerife on a strike Friday, stay calm and adjust your plans:
- Dine Out: Book meals at local restaurants outside your hotel. These often offer more authentic culinary experiences.
- Alternative Activities: Use Fridays for relaxing activities such as boat trips, lounging by the pool, or visiting local markets.
- Tip Generously: Generous tipping can show solidarity and boost the morale of local staff.
- Explore the Island: Take the opportunity to discover less-frequented places. Fewer tourists at resorts might lead to quieter beaches and unexpected discoveries.
The Background: Why the Tenerife Strikes Are About More Than Just Money
The current tensions in Tenerife are not solely due to financial demands. Workers argue that profits from mass tourism are soaring while wages stagnate. The planned summer strikes are also a reaction to chaotic scenes during the Easter holidays when industrial actions led to long queues and disrupted services. British newspapers at the time described it as a “holiday from hell.” Additionally, there are growing tensions regarding poor tourist behavior, as recent incidents in Las Veronicas show. These factors contribute to a sense of dissatisfaction, leading workers to demand not only higher wages but also better treatment.
Could the Strikes Spread Across Spain?
Although Tenerife is currently in the spotlight, the unrest there is not an isolated incident. Similar movements are brewing in other tourist hotspots across Spain. In the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca and Ibiza, there have already been smaller protests by hospitality staff this year concerning working conditions and wages. In Barcelona, unions representing hotel housekeeping staff – known as “Las Kellys” – have also raised alarms about deteriorating working conditions. On the tourist-heavy Costa del Sol in Andalusia, workers have indicated “solidarity actions” should negotiations in the Canary Islands fail. The dissatisfaction could thus spread throughout Spain’s tourist regions, potentially making the summer season more turbulent.
Conclusion: Prepare, Don’t Cancel
A strike-ridden summer in Tenerife is currently a possibility, but not a certainty. An agreement can still be reached. However, it is advisable to be prepared. Should the strikes be confirmed on June 16th, adjust your expectations and be flexible. A little local engagement can transform a disruption into an exciting adventure and provide you with an interesting story to take home. It’s not the end of your vacation dreams, but rather the beginning of a potentially unexpected yet enriching travel experience.
