Mallorca hotel room cleaners: early retirement review

Mallorca’s hotel room cleaners could get a route to early retirement: Spain’s government is examining the physical toll of their work. Social Security Minister Elma Saiz announced the review at a union meeting in Palma, Mallorca, on Monday, 9 November. She also outlined a separate move to recognise wrist, elbow and forearm conditions as work-related illnesses, formally known as occupational diseases.

A new group drawn from several government ministries will study the strain of room cleaning and how it affects women, who make up much of the workforce. Its findings could shape early-retirement rules, but no change has been agreed.

The illness measure is further along. Saiz said an urgent procedure, approved by the cabinet last week, would open for public consultation on Tuesday. The wrist, elbow and forearm conditions she linked to cleaners’ daily work are to be added to the official list of occupational diseases once that procedure is complete.

The General Union of Workers (UGT), which organised the meeting, wants cleaners to be able to retire early without losing any of their pension. The union says seasonal work and temporary contracts make their situation harder in the Balearic Islands.

Topics: Jobs & labour · Health · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com