The Lanzarote Business Confederation (CEL), as the most representative business organization on the island and comprised of the main sector-based employer associations, held two working meetings last week with representatives of the Government of the Canary Islands, the Labor Inspectorate, and Social Security with the aim of strengthening institutional collaboration in the fight against the shadow economy and irregular employment.
The first meeting, corresponding to the Territorial Executive Commission of the State Public Employment Service in the Canary Islands, took place in the Cabildo of Lanzarote, with the participation of the Deputy Minister of Employment of the Government of the Canary Islands, Isabel León, and the General Director of Labor, José Ramón Rodríguez, in addition to the territorial director of the Labor Inspectorate, Francisco Guindín, and the provincial head of Social Security, Andrés Fernández. At the meeting, a report on the 2024 management was presented. Subsequently, a second meeting was held at the CEL headquarters, with the attendance of all members of its board of directors.
During both meetings, they discussed the follow-up of the working group created between the administrations and the CEL, as well as the coordinated actions being carried out to improve the control and prevention of irregular employment on the island. All parties agreed to emphasize the importance of maintaining constant and effective collaboration, aimed at protecting fair competition between companies and guaranteeing the rights of workers.
One of the issues that generated the most concern was the increase in absenteeism, which has doubled in the last four years. Business and administration representatives agreed on the need to analyze its causes and promote measures to help reduce its impact on productivity and employment stability in Lanzarote.
On the other hand, the effort and professionalism of the Labor Inspectorate team in Lanzarote was highlighted, which currently has 12 officials, the largest number of human resources in its history on the island, allowing for a better response and greater supervisory capacity.
The president of the CEL, Beatriz Salazar, appreciated the involvement of all the institutions present and emphasized "the commitment of Lanzarote's business community to legality and transparency." "We are aware of the effort of all companies and, for that reason, we want to congratulate them for complying with the regulations and generating stable, quality employment," she confirmed.
During the meeting, discussions were held on employment and the fight against social security fraud, and the opportunity was taken to highlight the low number of incidents. Furthermore, a broad debate was opened between the representatives of the employers' associations and the Labor Inspectorate, who listened to contributions and suggestions from the business representatives related to the various issues.
