Allegations of Labour Exploitation at Jugueterías Nikki
The workers at Jugueterías Nikki, a Canarian toy company with nearly twenty stores across the archipelago, have reported allegations of labour exploitation. This was made public in a statement by the union Comisiones Obreras, which has announced a protest scheduled for 4 June in front of their store on Álvaro Rodríguez López Street in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, near the Meridiano shopping centre.
Allegations of Underpayment
According to the statement, the company is allegedly paying its employees below the sector’s agreed salary. The union claims that workers receive only the minimum wage, which has not been updated in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) since 2013, as stipulated in their framework agreement. Moreover, it is purported that employees do not receive their payslips regularly.
Ongoing Employee Rights Violations
The statement highlights additional concerns, including the continuous denial of paid leave and personal days, both of which are legally and contractually recognised rights. There is also mention of a lack of respect for the work-life balance. Comisiones Obreras further asserts that Jugueterías Nikki has repeatedly failed to comply with requirements set by the Labour Inspectorate.
Additionally, CCOO reports a concerning absence of communication with the company, noting that a worker was dismissed after revealing her intention to run in the union elections representing Comisiones Obreras.
Planned Protest
In light of these issues, the protest will take place on 4 June from 10:00 to 12:00 at the store’s entrance. Atlántico Hoy has reached out to Jugueterías Nikki to obtain their perspective on the serious allegations made by the union, but the company has yet to respond.
