Canary Islands Workers Prepare for Major Strike Amid Economic Strain

Trade workers across the Canary Islands are gearing up for a significant strike this Friday, coinciding with the high-profile shopping event known as Black Friday. This action is a direct response to ongoing frustrations regarding stagnant wages and the escalating cost of living that many workers are currently facing.

Details of the Planned Strike and Its Implications

The upcoming strike is scheduled to last for a full 24 hours and comes after unsuccessful negotiations between the UGT union and local business associations. The impact of the strike is expected to differ across the islands. In Las Palmas, the focus will be on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the primary targets will be grocery stores. This planned disruption raises significant concerns about the potential for additional strikes during the busy Christmas shopping season, which could further affect local economies and consumer experiences.

Disagreements Over Wage Increases

Paco González, the Deputy General Secretary of UGT Canarias, has voiced that while a proposed salary increase of 3.60% is on the table, the suggested method of implementation is causing contention. Employers are advocating for absorption and compensation mechanisms, which González argues would not adequately translate into actual pay increases for workers. Instead, UGT is pushing for a more straightforward approach, advocating for a progressive raise of approximately 3% annually until 2027 for workers in Las Palmas. This proposal aims to ensure that wage adjustments genuinely reflect the rising cost of living and the demands placed on employees.

Ongoing Negotiations and Potential Outcomes

A crucial meeting is set for Thursday at 16:00, convened by José Ramón Rodríguez, the General Director of Labour for the regional government. This meeting aims to facilitate discussions between union representatives and employers in hopes of reaching a resolution. Borja Suárez, General Secretary of CCOO Services in the Islands, has indicated that the unions will monitor the outcome of this meeting closely before making a final decision regarding the strike’s status. There is a possibility that the Black Friday strike could be postponed if an agreeable solution is reached, but the unions are prepared for further actions during the Christmas period if necessary.

Despite some tentative progress in negotiations, CCOO has requested additional clarification on proposals concerning work-life balance and salary increases. González has stressed the importance of addressing the workers’ demands, highlighting that around 85,000 workers could potentially participate in the strike if it proceeds as planned. This significant turnout underscores the urgency of the situation and the widespread discontent among workers.

Implications for the Holiday Shopping Season

González has expressed concerns that the ongoing situation could lead to a challenging Christmas season for both workers and consumers alike. Many individuals are grappling with the rising costs of essential items such as groceries and housing, which adds to the stress and anxiety experienced by employees during peak shopping times. This heightened pressure could result in increased absenteeism, further complicating operations for businesses during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.

The unions remain steadfast in their commitment to advocating for better wages and improved working conditions, insisting that the current compensation levels are inadequate given the demands placed on workers. As the situation develops, both workers and consumers are left to navigate the uncertainty surrounding the potential strike and its implications for the holiday season.

Key points

• Trade workers in the Canary Islands are set to strike for 24 hours on Black Friday.
• The strike will primarily affect SMEs in Las Palmas and grocery stores in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
• Negotiations for wage increases have stalled, with unions seeking clearer proposals from employers.
• Approximately 85,000 workers are expected to participate in the strike if it goes ahead.
• Concerns are mounting about possible disruptions during the critical Christmas shopping season.
• Workers cite rising grocery prices and housing costs as significant factors driving the strike.