Approximately 5,000 individuals gathered this Friday in the tourist region of South Tenerife, coinciding with the two days of strikes in the hotel and hospitality industries of the island, evoking mixed reactions from visitors – some surprised and others supportive.
The protest, during which workers distributed leaflets in English outlining their demands, was preceded by gatherings outside hotels, as part of the two strike days that conclude this Friday.
Employees in the tourism sector of the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife are advocating for salary enhancements that ensure their purchasing power remains intact, especially at a time when tourism is hitting record numbers in both visitors and revenue, with this strike reportedly supported by 70%, according to unions.
The demonstration unfolded in a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere, commencing from the tourist hub of Costa Adeje and culminating at Playa de las Américas, passing by some of the island’s largest hotel complexes.
Throughout the march, there was a significant presence of tourists, many of whom viewed the procession with interest, capturing photographs, recording videos, applauding, and even waving union flags handed out by some demonstrators, who also disseminated pamphlets detailing their causes in English.
As the march progressed in front of various hotels, employees greeted the demonstrators while tourists relaxed by the pools.
At the outset of the demonstration, Manuel Fitas, the leader of the basic trade union, the primary union coordinating the strike, cautioned hospitality and tourism employers that unions are prepared to initiate an indefinite strike if they do not respond to the “success” of the two strike days during this Holy Week.
