The workers’ committee of Metropolitan Tenerife, the public entity managed by the Town Hall that oversees the island’s tram service, has strongly criticised the decision made at the recent board meeting. The councilor Eulalia García Silva (CC), in charge of Mobility, proposed a budget of 3 million for an international train project competition, including 450,000 euros for a feasibility study. This decision has caused uproar as the workers are currently in a labour dispute over unpaid wages amounting to 1.5 million.
Jonay Acosta, the current chairperson of the committee and representative of CCOO, the main union, expressed concerns to Canarias Ahora. He highlighted that the company has been facing labour disputes, with strikes and reduced services, since February 9 due to workers’ demands for better health and safety measures. Acosta pointed out the inconsistencies in allocating funds for a project that still requires a feasibility study while neglecting the urgent needs of the workforce.
Acosta stated that the lack of funds is always cited when addressing issues such as staff salary adjustments. He emphasised that most employees are paid below the required level, with their job categories not aligned with the State budget. The estimated cost of regularising these salaries is between one and 1.5 million euros, making the decision to spend 3 million on a competition even more questionable.
The committee believes that the company’s priorities are misplaced, causing significant unrest among the staff. Juan Miguel Suárez Santana, CCOO’s Secretary of Trade Union Action, accused García Silva of mismanaging the company and lacking empathy towards the employees.
Acosta highlighted a specific incident where the councillor refused to address health concerns raised by the workers, only to discover later that the costs involved were minimal. This incident led to a prolonged strike that resulted in unnecessary financial losses for many employees.
Findings confirm health risks
Recently, the company committee received the results of hygienic measurements of crystalline silica dust in the workplace. The findings revealed the immediate need for control measures to reduce workers’ exposure to harmful substances, confirming the validity of the workers’ concerns.
This highlights the importance of prioritising the health and safety of workers over unnecessary and costly projects.
