Tourists planning trips to Majorca and the neighbouring Balearic Islands could see their summer getaways disrupted due to looming strikes in the local hospitality sector. After two months of discussions, the gap between employers and staff unions regarding working hours and wage increases has sparked concerns over potential strikes.
The Majorca Daily Bulletin reported that a meeting held yesterday (April 1) concluded with unions accusing employers of “pushing us toward conflict”. Union demands include a 19% pay hike spread across three years, along with a reduction to a 35-hour week, more flexibility, and improved work organisation.
The two prominent unions, Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT) and Confederation of Comisiones Obreras (CCOO), are gearing up for large-scale May Day demonstrations and warn of further measures if an agreement can’t be reached. UGT-Services’ general secretary José García Relucio expressed discontent with the hospitality sector’s offers, stating: “It seems that all they are trying to do is dynamite the negotiating table.”
A deadline of May 27 has been set for negotiations, aligning with the onset of the peak holiday season. Failure to reach an agreement by this date could result in industrial actions such as strikes, affecting thousands of holidaymakers.
Approximately 180,000 workers across Spain’s hospitality sector are caught up in wage negotiations, with roles ranging from hotel receptionists and cleaners to waiters and bartenders. The potential strike action could throw a wrench into the holiday plans of many.
Spain remains the premier holiday spot for Brits, with the Balearic Islands—and Majorca in particular—drawing a significant share of summer vacationers. In 2023, the islands saw an influx of over 3.7 million British visitors.
Majorca has been making headlines in recent months due to the issue of over-tourism, sparking local protests. Last year, alarming graffiti with messages like “kill a tourist” appeared in Palma, alongside anti-tourism slogans defacing landmarks.
The Balearic Islands have witnessed several demonstrations, with a major protest scheduled for this Saturday (April 5) in Palma. Although the protest primarily addresses the housing crisis, it will also touch on the broader issues related to mass tourism, which residents argue exacerbates the housing shortage.