Canary Islands Mobilize for Self-Employment Rights Amid Growing Discontent

On November 30, self-employed workers across the Canary Islands are gearing up to stage significant demonstrations in Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife. The protests aim to highlight the pressing need for improved rights and working conditions for self-employed individuals in the region.

Protests Set to Make a Strong Statement

The upcoming protests are being organized by the Platform for the Dignity of the Self-Employed, which is spearheading a series of demonstrations in various Spanish cities under the powerful slogan ‘For Decent Working Conditions.’ In the Canary Islands, the focus will be on advocating for fair working conditions, a reduction in fees, enhanced social protection, and the recognition of the labor contributions made by self-employed individuals.

In a show of solidarity, the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises from El Hierro will also join the movement, holding a separate demonstration on December 1. This event is scheduled for 10:00 am in front of the Insular Government Delegation, with the poignant slogan ‘El Hierro is Dying. The Business Sector Cannot Endure Any Longer,’ underscoring the dire situation faced by local businesses.

Details of the Planned Marches

The protest in Gran Canaria is set to commence at 10:00 am from Parque San Telmo, with participants marching through key areas including Triana, Lentini, and Plaza Santa Ana before returning to their starting point. In Tenerife, demonstrators will also gather at 10:00 am from Plaza Weyler, although the specific route for this march has yet to be announced. Meanwhile, in Lanzarote, protesters will assemble at the Government Delegation in Arrecife at the same hour, while those in Fuerteventura will kick off their protest an hour later at 11:00 am, starting from the insular government headquarters.

These protests are part of a broader national movement, with additional demonstrations planned in major cities across Spain, including Barcelona, Bilbao, and Madrid. This coordinated effort aims to shine a light on the challenges faced by self-employed individuals throughout the country.

Demands of the Self-Employed Workers

The manifesto put forth by the protesting group outlines several critical demands aimed at improving the conditions for self-employed workers. Among their requests is a call for proportional fees that accurately reflect their monthly income. They are also advocating for an exemption from VAT for earnings up to €85,000, in line with European directive 2020/285. Furthermore, they seek to eliminate the burden of acting as tax collectors for VAT and contributions, which they argue places an undue strain on their businesses.

Another significant aspect of their demands includes a comprehensive reform of the cessation of activity scheme, commonly referred to as the ‘self-employed unemployment benefit.’ This reform is crucial for providing a safety net for self-employed individuals during times of economic hardship. Additionally, the group is calling for better support related to medical leave or caregiving, which includes reduced contributions, as well as the acknowledgment of bereavement rights.

Self-employed workers are also pushing for social protections that mirror those available to salaried employees. They emphasize the need for a ‘real simplification’ of bureaucratic processes, aiming to eliminate confusing language that often complicates their operations. Other demands include the protection of personal assets and family homes, the right to cash payments, and a fair competitive landscape in payment methods.

Moreover, the group is advocating for a review of SGAE tariffs, the freedom to utilize royalty-free music, and immediate deductions for investments, all of which are seen as essential for fostering a more equitable environment for self-employed individuals.

Key points

• Protests are scheduled in Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife on November 30.
• The demonstrations are organized by the Platform for the Dignity of the Self-Employed.
• Key demands include fair working conditions, reduced fees, and social protection.
• The Association of Small and Medium Enterprises from El Hierro will hold a separate protest on December 1.
• Demonstrations will also occur in various cities across Spain.
• Protesters are advocating for proportional fees and exemption from VAT for earnings up to €85,000.
• They seek reforms to the self-employed unemployment benefit and better recognition of their rights.