Canary Islands Retail Workers Gear Up for Christmas Eve Strike Amid Rising Tensions

In a bold move reflecting growing discontent, retail workers in the Canary Islands are preparing for a significant strike on Christmas Eve, with the possibility of further actions on Epiphany. This decision has been fueled by escalating tensions between workers and employers, as the holiday season approaches.

Strike Details and Worker Participation

Borja Suárez, the General Secretary of Services at CCOO Canarias, has confirmed that the decision to strike is final, stating emphatically, “There will be no last-minute goal.” The planned strike is set to take place this Wednesday, coinciding with Christmas Eve, and is expected to last for a full 24 hours. Approximately 75,000 workers across the archipelago, including the provinces of Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, are anticipated to join in this collective action.

The strike is not just a spontaneous reaction; it is a culmination of ongoing frustrations among retail workers who feel undervalued and overworked. The timing of the strike, right before one of the busiest shopping days of the year, underscores the seriousness of their demands and the urgency of their situation.

Workers’ Demands and the Current Climate

The striking workers are advocating for several key improvements aimed at enhancing their work-life balance, particularly during weekends, which are traditionally busy periods in retail. They are also calling for a much-needed salary increase, as the current minimum wage has surpassed the limits set by the existing collective agreement. Another critical demand is for retail establishments to close by 6 PM on both December 24 and December 31, as sales during those late hours are reportedly minimal.

During a recent delegates’ assembly, union representatives voiced their frustration with employers, emphasizing that the welfare of employees has reached a breaking point. Suárez remarked, “We are not willing to let the employers continue to disregard the Canary Islands’ workforce. We will inevitably go on strike across the archipelago.” This sentiment reflects a broader dissatisfaction with working conditions that many employees feel are unsustainable.

Reflecting on a previous strike on November 28 during Black Friday, Suárez noted that the lack of progress in negotiations has led to a more urgent need for action. He stated, “We had no other choice,” and mentioned the possibility of a strike on Epiphany, asserting, “We cannot stop.” This determination illustrates the workers’ resolve to fight for their rights and improve their conditions.

Impact on Retail Sectors and Economic Conditions

The upcoming strike will have a significant impact across various retail sectors. In Las Palmas, all types of commerce will be affected, including footwear, leather goods, optical services, and textiles. In contrast, the strike in Santa Cruz de Tenerife will focus specifically on food retailers, which are crucial during the holiday season. Suárez criticized the lack of commitment from employers, stating, “We see a lack of commitment from an employer that doesn’t care about the precariousness of the sector. Collective bargaining is dead and likely buried.”

He further emphasized the need for this strike as a means to uphold the dignity of workers, asserting that if employers refuse to negotiate, workers should not provide services that benefit only a select few. This perspective highlights the growing divide between labor and management, as workers demand recognition and respect for their contributions.

Suárez also highlighted the dire economic conditions faced by many workers, with some earning as little as €700, which is insufficient for basic living expenses. He pointed out that the archipelago has the highest grocery prices in the region, making living costs prohibitively high, especially with a lack of affordable housing. This economic strain is exacerbated by the precarious nature of employment in the sector, which disproportionately affects women, as many positions are heavily feminized.

He concluded by stating that while a worker on a 40-hour contract is fortunate, most employees work only 20, 25, or 30 hours, which often does not allow them to earn the full minimum wage. This reality underscores the challenges faced by retail workers in the Canary Islands, as they navigate a landscape marked by economic instability and inadequate labor protections.

Key points

• A strike is planned for Christmas Eve in the Canary Islands retail sector.
• Approximately 75,000 workers are expected to participate in the 24-hour strike.
• Workers are demanding better organization for work-life balance and a salary increase.
• Retail shops are requested to close by 6 PM on December 24 and 31.
• The strike will impact various sectors, including food retail and textiles.
• High living costs and gender inequality are significant issues affecting workers.
• Union leaders express frustration over employers’ lack of commitment to negotiations.