There are currently no beach services in Magaluf - no sunloungers, no parasols, no water activities or beach bar. They are all pending the award of concessions by Calvia Town Hall.
Given this situation, workers are denouncing the uncertainty. "Some were supposed to have started on March 15 and others on May the first. We're halfway through the month and we still haven't heard anything."
There is additional concern as to whether the new concessionaire will retain the workers. "Previous tender processes included provisions for continuity and the mandatory transfer of workers associated with beach services. There are indications and rumours that this guarantee may disappear." A letter has been sent to Calvia Town Hall asking for information on the administrative status of the concession and the "protection of workers".
The services in Magaluf are the only ones on Calvia's beaches that have yet to be awarded. On April 23, the town hall explained that the tender had failed to attract any bids. Around a dozen companies with experience in managing beach services were invited to bid, but they all declined. Modifications have been made to make the contract more attractive and it will be made public this coming week.
One of the workers says: "The image of a beach without services is disconcerting. There's a brand new, renovated promenade, but a beach devoid of services." It is argued that the new tender specifications should be for separate services, as has been done in Santa Ponsa.
"The town hall decided to group everything into a large, single package. Sunbeds, parasols, water sports and activities, and new beach bars became part of a single, large concession." Former concession holders believe there are now "excessive and unsustainable financial conditions".