The two main unions, CCOO and UGT, are once more highlighting problems faced by workers in the hotel sector in finding accommodation.
Ginés Díaz of the CCOO federation for this sector points to the bay of Palma, Paguera, Santa Ponsa and the whole of the north of Majorca as being the most problematic. Rents are so high that employees can't afford accommodation near to places of work. Díaz criticises hoteliers for not having acted more swiftly in seeking to secure accommodation. This is despite the fact that the same situation existed last year. She estimates that 20% of workers are affected.
The Majorca Hoteliers Federation agrees that there are problems in the north of the island in particular. This extends from Pollensa across the whole of the bay of Alcudia round to Capdepera. The federation says that hotels will need to contract bus companies to take employees to and from work.
Díaz points out that workers used to have accommodation in hotels. These rooms were gradually turned over to guests and the rents for them went up as well. This forced employees to look elsewhere. The unions both maintain that the hoteliers have broken agreements in this regard. The next round of negotiations will take this into account. Accommodation will be an issue along with hours and salaries. There may be specific demands to compensate employees for the cost of renting.
The Balearic Hotel Chains Association says that hoteliers are doing what they can but are unfortunately not able to cover all accommodation needs. In certain instances, hoteliers are renting properties all year in order to ensure they keep hold of them for the summer season.
The hoteliers federation puts the blame on the "phenomenon of holiday rentals". The government has to control this in order to change the situation.