Mallorca strike: Palma pools shut, 48% join across islands

On Mallorca, Son Moix swimming pool in Palma is shut and Son Hugo closes at 12.00 on Wednesday, 11 November, during a general strike over housing costs and wages. Across the Balearic Islands, unions put participation at around 48% by midday. They report much higher figures in transport, but low participation in shops and hospitality.

Transport sees the strongest turnout

The unions report 100% participation at Serveis Ferroviaris de Mallorca (SFM) and Transport de les Illes Balears (TIB). They put the figure at 80% for Palma’s Empresa Municipal de Transports (EMT) and 60% at the airport. Public and private schools record 50%, according to the unions.

Son Hugo closed at noon because too few people were available, while the Joan Seguí sports centre is also shut.

Some workers say they cannot afford to strike

José Luis García, general secretary of Workers’ Commissions (CCOO) in the Balearics, says housing and grocery costs leave many workers unable to lose a day’s pay. The unions also blame what they consider excessive minimum-service requirements in some sectors.

Pedro Homar, general secretary of the General Union of Workers (UGT) in the Balearics, calls the start subdued but says some people support the strike even though they have not stopped work. The unions hope for a large demonstration this afternoon. They say the day has been peaceful and largely free of incidents.

Topics: Strikes · Palma · Manacor

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com