The Federation of Canarian Trade Unions (FSC) is alerting about the exorbitant rental prices in the southern regions, where the majority of the workforce in the tourism industry resides. Areas like San Isidro, El Fraile, Guargacho, Guaza, Cabo Blanco, Valle San Lorenzo, or Armeñime are becoming unaffordable for many workers, leading them to consider leaving the island. Some are even forced out as apartment owners are converting properties into vacation rentals, resulting in a growing trend of workers living in motorhomes or sleeping in vans.
These concerns were raised by Manuel Fitas, the Secretary of Organization at FSC, who emphasized that vacation homes are not only inflating prices beyond workers’ reach but also facing backlash from local residents in residential zones.
Fitas noted a significant surge in the registration of declarations for new vacation rentals following the announcement of a forthcoming law to regulate and limit them. He warns about the potential rise of “tourismphobia,” a sentiment he deems perilous for the Canary Islands as tourism remains a vital pillar of the economy.
The challenging circumstances that many workers are experiencing are leading to higher absenteeism rates, reaching up to 20% and escalating to 30% for certain professions like housekeepers, according to the union leader.
Manuel Fitas challenged both industry stakeholders and governmental bodies to investigate the underlying causes for the persisting unemployment figures in the Canary Islands, amidst a cry from businesses for workforce to sustain operations. He believes that the allure of working in the tourism sector has faded within Canarian society.
Furthermore, advocating for an increase in tourist inspectors – which currently stand at a mere 35 for the entire archipelago – the Federation of Canarian Trade Unions is also calling for a halt in issuing new licenses for vacation rentals and proposing tax incentives to promote long-term residential leasing among small property owners. Simultaneously, they critique the passive approach of public authorities in recent years towards fostering an inventory of affordable public rental apartments.
