Around 5,000 hospitality sector workers took to the streets in the south of Tenerife yesterday, Friday, drawing both surprise and support from holidaymakers in the island’s bustling tourist hotspots.
The demonstration was part of a two-day strike organised by hospitality and hotel employees in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, demanding wage increases that keep pace with the cost of living.
The march took place between Costa Adeje and Playa de Las Americas, two areas that are home to some of Tenerife’s largest hotel complexes. Along the route, workers carried banners, chanted slogans, and handed out leaflets in English explaining the reasons for the strike.
Holidaymakers, many of whom were enjoying the sun by hotel pools or walking nearby, reacted with interest. Some took photos and videos, applauded the demonstrators, and even waved union flags handed out by participants.
The atmosphere was both festive and defiant, reflecting workers’ frustration over stagnant wages despite record-breaking numbers in tourism arrivals and revenue. According to trade unions, around 70% of employees in the sector participated in the strike.
The protests included pickets in front of major hotels and were the culmination of two days of strike action. Unions say they want to send a clear message to employers: workers are demanding fairer compensation and are prepared to take further steps if necessary.
Manuel Fitas, leader of Sindicalistas de Base, described the strike as a success and a signal that workers “have had enough and are making it known, even to the people they look after.”
From inside the hotels, some staff members were seen waving to the protesters in a gesture of solidarity, while tourists continued to relax by the pools, many visibly curious about the unfolding events.
The demonstration marked a powerful show of unity in an industry that has long been the economic engine of the Canary Islands. As the Easter holiday draws to a close, the future of labour relations in Tenerife’s tourism sector appears increasingly uncertain unless dialogue between unions and employers progresses.
