Escalating Tensions in Postal Services: Correos Employees in the Canary Islands Take a Stand

The postal workers in the Canary Islands are facing a crisis that has prompted staff at Correos in Santa Cruz de Tenerife to declare a general strike set for this Friday. This decision reflects deep-seated frustrations over staffing shortages and working conditions that have reached a breaking point.

Challenges of Understaffing and Worker Frustration

Pedro Segura, the secretary of the postal sector for Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) in the Canary Islands, has raised alarm bells regarding the current staffing levels at Correos. With the holiday season fast approaching, a time when postal services typically experience a surge in demand, the existing workforce is feeling the strain. Despite recent hiring initiatives by Correos, Segura argues that these measures are insufficient to meet the growing needs of the service.

Segura emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We had no choice but to initiate this conflict.” His comments underline the desperation felt by workers who are increasingly overwhelmed by their workloads. Plans for additional strikes in the province of Las Palmas are also in the pipeline, aimed at intensifying pressure on management to address these critical issues.

Consequences for Service Quality

The ramifications of these staffing challenges are significant, with Segura warning that service quality across the islands is at risk. He pointed out that the postal service in the Canary Islands is operating with less than 50% of the necessary workforce, which he described as detrimental to public service. Currently, there are around 1,300 postal workers in Las Palmas and approximately 1,160 in the western islands. However, Segura insists that at least 300 more employees are essential in each province to ensure adequate service levels.

The situation is further complicated by a high absenteeism rate among employees, which Segura claims exacerbates the already overwhelming conditions. He described the current working environment as poor, contributing to the unmanageable workloads that postal workers are facing daily. This combination of factors has led to a crisis that cannot be ignored.

Risks of Delayed Deliveries and Ineffective Solutions

Segura has voiced serious concerns about the potential for delays in the delivery of notifications and packages, stating, “This is a significant disadvantage.” He highlighted the strategic importance of Correos in the region and argued that with adequate resources, the service could improve significantly for the benefit of the public. The most severe issues are particularly prevalent in southern Tenerife and Gran Canaria, with additional conflicts reported in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

Adding to the frustration, Segura criticized a newly implemented delivery system by the company, claiming it fails to consider the unique geographical and logistical challenges of the Canary Islands. He called for immediate attention to their demands in Madrid, stressing that previous complaints have resulted in temporary fixes rather than sustainable, long-term solutions.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, Comisiones Obreras is contemplating further strikes on December 12, with the possibility of additional actions throughout the month if conditions do not improve significantly. The workers’ resolve is clear, and they are prepared to escalate their actions until their demands are met.

Key points

• Correos workers in Santa Cruz de Tenerife have called for a general strike this Friday.
• Staffing shortages are a primary concern, particularly with the holiday season approaching.
• Pedro Segura from CCOO emphasizes the need for at least 300 additional workers in each province.
• The Canary Islands have the highest absenteeism rate among Correos employees.
• Delays in notifications and package deliveries are expected due to current staffing levels.
• Comisiones Obreras is considering additional strikes if the situation does not improve.