The strike tracking estimate in Tenerife stands at 10%, contrasting with the figures provided by the conveners.
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, APR. (Press Europa) –
The hotel industry association in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Ashotel, has reported today that the strike participation among workers on the capital island for Thursday and Good Friday is estimated at 10%, a statistic that “does not align” with the claims made by the unions, who have reminded that Ashotel remains open for dialogue in the negotiations.
“We conducted two surveys with our members during both days, receiving 212 responses for monitoring, and evidently, these figures do not correspond with what the convenors are stating,” remarked Juan Pablo González, Ashotel’s manager, in a statement to the press.
He also highlighted that the call for Holy Week proceeded without “any incidents,” praising the “majority of workers” who “have responsibly fulfilled their duties,” and noting that those who have expressed dissent have done so “within a democratic framework” that he contends should govern these situations.
He clarified that, in the context of Tenerife, the strike adherence was recorded at 11%, while La Palma saw 1% and La Gomera 6%. Additionally, he pointed out that in El Hierro, the statistics reached a “lamentable” figure.
In Tenerife, he noted variations in participation rates from Thursday to Good Friday across different areas. In the south, where the highest participation was observed, strike presence reached 11% in establishments reporting strike involvement.
In the northern part of the island, participation also registered at 11% on Thursday, while the metropolitan area saw 5%. On Good Friday, the southern region maintained an 11% participation rate, escalating to 14% in the north, with the metropolitan area also rising to 11%.
“Ashotel’s hand remains extended, as it has always been,” stated González, emphasising the association’s willingness to meet with unions “as often as needed,” responding to requests regardless of who initiates them.
Judicial Resolution
He further recalled that there is an awaiting “significant” judicial decision concerning the seniority complement, currently subject to litigation that the TSJC will resolve, with results expected in early May. This outcome will require thorough analysis of its implications.
“Depending on the ruling, if it favours them, I believe they will appeal; if it favours us, we will appeal (…). However, this does not obstruct negotiations from progressing. It is merely another element that will be addressed, discussed and resolved, and will certainly form part of the collective bargaining,” he explained.
He expressed regret that protests were necessary, indicating that “there were avenues to reaching an agreement,” after elaborating on the late offer presented on Wednesday evening: a 6% increase in the wage pool for workers, assurance of maintained purchasing power in any agreements signed, and the inclusion of lifting beds in hotels.
“Everything proposed up until the last moment on Wednesday night, prior to the strike, has fallen through,” added González, who stressed the importance of the offers made to avert the two strikes planned.
Consequently, he indicated that moving forward, discussions would need to commence from “a clean slate,” allowing both sides, employers and workers, to present their conditions. “This will commence with the establishment of a negotiation table, which currently has no scheduled date,” he clarified.
The employer on possible “indefinite” strike
When questioned about the unions’ warning of an “indefinite strike” should no agreement be reached, the Ashotel manager noted that the employers’ response is slightly “surprising,” though it will be the unions who must “elucidate their reasons.”
“Strikes always occur after the parties have sat down to discuss… I am not implying it will be on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday; perhaps it will be within a month, but dialogue should never be ceased,” González emphasised.
