They didn't declare it to Pedro San Ginés, nor to the EPEL, nor to the government group of the Cabildo. The workers of the Tourist Centers declared the strike to the entire island, and they also managed to demonstrate that they are stronger ...
They didn't declare it to Pedro San Ginés, nor to the EPEL, nor to the government group of the Cabildo. The workers of the Tourist Centers declared the strike to the entire island, and they also managed to demonstrate that they are stronger than an entire rule of law. Because regardless of the legitimacy of any employee trying to fight for better working conditions, the truth is that nothing justifies a group taking over a public space without anyone stopping them.
Fortunately, on the second day of the strike, public representatives seemed to understand that the situation required exceptional measures, and increased the police presence in the Centers. But the first day of the strike left images that should be a reason for reflection and shame. Because even leaving aside whether or not the demands of the CACT workers are fair, the measures adopted at the gates of Timanfaya, Jameos del Agua or Cueva de los Verdes are absolutely disproportionate. Almost as much as the lack of foresight of what could happen on the part of the institutions.
That a tourist visits Lanzarote and has to leave without knowing its main hallmarks is undoubtedly a major blow to the image of the island, but it is infinitely worse that they arrive at the gates of the Timanfaya National Park and have to end up turning back after seeing a real confrontation between pickets and security forces. Therefore, the announcement by the EPEL management that the Centers would remain open despite the strike, and that there would even be an open day, with free admission if necessary, ended up being almost worse than the disease. Because on the first day of the strike it was demonstrated that this could not be fulfilled, and it ended up backfiring.
The striking workers themselves prevented anyone who tried to access the Tourist Centers from passing, fueling the idea that they are not a space for the people of Lanzarote, but for those who work there. And the worst thing is not that they still haven't understood that this is not the case, but that no one made them understand, either by good means or by bad.
They complain about a lack of understanding of their demands from some sectors, but the truth is that the vast majority of workers on this island, if someone looks them in the eye and explains their drama, which consists of supporting a family and a mortgage with 1,300 euros a month, to which must be added four extra payments and overtime, because their working day only includes seven working hours, does not end up arousing compassion. And even less, to justify such a measure.
Comparisons are odious, and that is probably playing against the workers of the Tourist Centers, because many employees of this island would be more than willing to exchange their working conditions without hesitation. But even understanding that a worker should not resign himself, and should always try to be not like the average, but as he really considers he deserves, this measure is still excessive.
Ruin an official inauguration, such as the one that took place last Monday, in which they were trying to celebrate the premiere of the second phase of the Cabildo in style, generates very different sensations. Ultimately, the damage that was done on that day is limited only to the political sphere, and the objective they were pursuing and which they achieved with flying colors was to ruin the photo that should have appeared in the media the next day, and that instead of being the satisfaction of discovering a new plaque a month before the elections, it ended up becoming a bitter pill between whistles, protests and banners from all the Cabildo workers who currently have conflicts with the institution over the Job List and the single agreement.
But from there to playing with the source of wealth and prosperity of this island and with the bread of the rest of the workers there is an abyss. Because in addition to all the bus drivers and self-employed tourist guides who are left without pay on each day of the strike, because they cannot provide their services, the great damage is in the long term. It is that image that tourists take away, and that can ruin years of promotion of this destination. And the damage is so great, so great, that it makes it even more impossible to give in to their demands. Because if putting an entire island in check serves to achieve certain objectives, the precedent that it would set would be as worrying as it is scandalous.
Finally, the mediation of the Canarian Labor Court has managed to suspend the strike, but during the three days that the pulse lasted, all the ends should have been tied infinitely better. Because one thing is to enter to see Timanfaya and not be able to eat in its restaurant or have a coffee, and quite another is to travel to the gates of this tourist center and not be able to enter and witness grotesque images with clashes between workers and security forces, and even with some tourists. And all this, yes, seasoned with snacks and drinks to "endure" the day of protest.
