Hotel workers across Tenerife and several nearby islands have launched a two-day strike in a protest campaign over the Easter holidays, one of the tourism industry’s busiest times of the year. The industrial action occurred on Thursday and Friday, involving nearly 80,000 hospitality workers from Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. This comes following a proposed agreement that included a 6% pay rise that unions deemed inadequate and rejected.

The UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has now said: “Industrial action is planned in the hospitality sector in Tenerife over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. If you’re due to travel to Tenerife this weekend, check your operator’s advice and follow the advice of authorities.”

The industrial action is taking place following failed negotiations between unions and employer associations. 

In addition to a 6% salary increase, the offer included improved workplace ergonomics, such as adjustable beds, and a commitment to continue negotiations by the end of April. 

This was rejected by union representatives, who said this was insufficient. 

In Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, the strike was avoided after a deal that offered hotel workers a £557 bonus and a 9% salary increase over the next year.

The CCOO union said: “The imposition of minimum services constitutes an illegitimate, disproportionate, and legally unsustainable restriction on the fundamental right to strike.”

Canarian Weekly reported that union officials estimate overall participation across Tenerife and nearby islands at around 70%, with high turnout particularly noted among those working in food and kitchen departments.

Thousands took to the streets Thursday, many protesting in South Tenerife, where over 80% of hotel workers reportedly participated.