Zoom Image
Lifeguards in Mallorca
Photograph:
imago stock&people
The lifeguards in charge of Palma's beaches want to start an indefinite dispute this Sunday. "None of us will work. If there are bathing deaths, it's not our fault," said union spokesman Julian Delgado.
However, you are still allowed to bathe, but at your own risk. Normally, the approximately 50 lifeguards are on duty from 11 a.m. to 19 p.m.
Already last year, the lifeguards wanted to strike. At the last moment, they were able to reach an agreement with the city of Palma. The rescuers should therefore get a salary increase and be allowed to work longer in the year.
High seats have not been renewed
Later it became clear that there was no salary increase, and the lifeguards were not allowed to start their work in April, as planned. In addition, other promises were not kept: high seats were not renewed, toilets for people with disabilities were not renovated, beach access for wheelchair users was not built.
"We want City Hall to stick to last year's agreement," Delgado said. "That's how long we're going to go on strike."
The strike affects all beaches in the municipality of Palma, including Playa de Palma and the Ballermann beach section. The town hall of Palma explained the lack of improvements with the old contract. It is not until August that a new operator will take over on better terms. But that is apparently too late for the lifeguards.
It was initially unclear how the city would react to the strike. The lifeguards are vital in case of emergencies in the water. After all, the weather seems to give the town hall some time. The coming days are expected to be rainy and cool. Fewer bathers are likely to be drawn to the beaches.
kha/dpa