Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 12 Feb. (Europa Press) –
The Plenary Session of the Parliament of the Canary Islands has requested, with Vox abstaining, the introduction of early retirement for floor waitresses, alongside a mandate for ICASel to prepare a report detailing morbidity and labour-related issues that justify implementing this measure at the age of 58.
The proposal put forth by the Socialist Group also calls for a dedicated campaign by the Labour Inspectorate to combat the misuse of outsourcing among floor waitresses and for a tailored awareness programme aimed at the hotel sector addressing psychosocial risks, particularly in relation to the impact on mental wellbeing.
Gustavo Santana (PSOE) stated that this initiative is “just” and expressed pride that the Canary Islands can “lead” this proposal in the General Courts, which could benefit nearly 10,000 workers.
Cristina Calero (CC) revealed her background in “a family engaged in the tourism sector,” sharing insights that cleaning services in the tourism industry “never stop.” “Fortune is determined by whether you have a hotel room or a flat, as the difference lies in the effort required for cleaning,” she remarked.
She admitted that parliamentarians have arrived “too late” to regulate the conditions under which floor waitresses work, having previously “looked the other way.” “This is a social issue, not solely a tourism sector matter, which we should not demonise but rather address the specific requirements it entails,” she added.
Carlos Ester (PP) praised the near-unanimous support in the Chamber to promote early retirement for floor waitresses and urged the socialists to “intercede” with the central government, ensuring that the increase in the minimum wage does not merely serve to boost state revenue.
“Poor” health conditions
Jesús Ramos (ASG) expressed hope that early retirement “becomes a reality,” deeming it “logical,” given that floor waitresses often reach the ages of 65 or 67 in “truly poor” health conditions.
Raúl Acosta (there) anticipates the agreement will progress to the Courts and the central government to avoid “deceiving and giving false hope to those who do not merit it,” emphasising that it is the government’s responsibility “to take action.”
Paula Jover (Vox) pointed out that there are alternative “lighter” options for public expenditure already being considered by unions and hoteliers, such as the termination of work contracts and a Social Security plan funded by employers, aiming to facilitate the renewal of staffing and ensure that floor waitresses have pension contributions that have not dwindled in recent years prior to early retirement.
Natalia Santana (NC-BC) noted the “high price” floor waitresses pay due to their work, evidenced by “irreversible illnesses, prematurely exhausted bodies, and lives disrupted by the harshness of a largely unacknowledged job.” She therefore believes it is only just that a pathway to early retirement can be established.
She also spotlighted the determination of the collective: “They are the ones who have spearheaded and championed this cause. Those who have voiced their concerns when others remained silent, who have endured the fatigue of fighting against indifference and red tape; without their tenacity and bravery, this legislative proposal would not be presented today.”
