Tourism and hospitality unions in Tenerife have warned of an indefinite strike if employers continue to ignore their demands, following what they describe as the "success" of a recent two-day strike in Tenerife and the western islands.
Manuel Fitas, leader of the union group Sindicalistas de Base, issued the warning during a demonstration held in the heart of the main tourist area in the south of the island, which union organisers say drew around 5,000 participants.
Fitas called on the regional tourism and hospitality employer groups, Ashotel and AERO, to return to the negotiating table “without arrogance or bravado,” after the employers withdrew their latest offer and declared that negotiations would have to start from scratch.
The employers’ proposal, which included a pay increase of up to 6% in some cases, was presented on the eve of the strike after mediation by the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo. However, it was narrowly rejected by Sindicalistas de Base’s delegate assembly, with 57 votes against and 51 in favour.
Fitas criticised the timing of the offer, questioning why it was only made at the last minute, after strike action had already been set in motion. Despite rejecting it, he acknowledged that the proposal could serve as a foundation for further negotiation if approached seriously.
He stressed that the employers must first acknowledge the success of the strike and commit to dialogue without “prepotency” or dismissiveness. “They need to sit down and negotiate with respect,” said Fitas.
The situation remains tense as calls for industrial action grow louder among workers' committees. Unions have signalled that unless meaningful talks resume soon, the tourism sector in Tenerife could face prolonged disruption, with significant consequences for an industry critical to the island’s economy.
