The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Tenerife, warning of industrial action by hotel workers during Easter.
The strike, starting today (17 April) and running tomorrow (18 April), had originally been planned to take place across the Canary Islands, but workers on Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura called off their action earlier this week, after unions agreed a pay deal with the employers’ association FETH.
But unions representing hotel workers in Tenerife said its members would continue to strike, after describing the deal as ‘insufficient’.
Approximately 80,000 hotel workers on Tenerife and neighbouring islands La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro are taking part, Canarian Weekly reports.
It’s understood strikers include hotel receptionists, kitchen staff, cleaners and service staff, although the Canary Islands Government has mandated minimum service levels of between 15-25% in essential areas such as reception, cleaning, maintenance, and food services. However, unions have said the mandate infringes upon their fundamental right to strike.
The industrial action has been called by the Canary Islands Trade Union Federation and unions UGT, and CCOO, who argue frontline hospitality workers in the hotel industry are not benefiting from the post-pandemic tourism boom.
The FCDO update says: “Industrial action is planned in the hospitality sector in Tenerife over the Easter bank holiday weekend. If you’re due to travel to Tenerife this weekend, check your operator’s advice and follow the advice of authorities.”
