Indefinite strike by Mallorca lifeguards on the island's beaches

Indefinite strike by Mallorca's lifeguards on the island's beaches

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The mood along the coast is unusually tense this morning. Since early today, around 6 a.m., lifeguards in parts of Mallorca and on Ibiza have laid down their work. Affected are, among others, beach sections in Palma and Calvià, as well as on Ibiza in municipalities such as Sant Antoni, Sant Josep, Santa Eulària, and Sant Joan.

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What it's about

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Workers are demanding better pay, permanent contracts, and improvements to working conditions. Many of us work from season to season, with no security, says a lifeguard who wishes to remain unnamed. The union also sees problems with duty rosters, rest periods, and equipment — things that are crucial for beach safety.

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Particularly problematic: According to the striking workers, there exists a directive that beaches must continue to be staffed at what is called 100 percent minimum staffing. This causes anger: the employees feel their right to strike is restricted because on paper work is to continue, even though they are on strike.

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What you notice on site

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At the Paseo Marítimo in Palma, a few beachgoers stood with towels and puzzled looks this morning. At Playa de Palma, neighbors explained they did not know that only a handful of lifeguards were on site. Beach bars report calls from concerned tourists, kiosks from delayed deliveries — small details that show how quickly daily life changes when the people who watch over it are missing.

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For many locals this is not a luxury problem: Lifeguards not only ensure vacation safety but are part of island society — friends, sports partners, parents. Thus a strike seems more powerful than just a protest on the bulletin board.

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What happens next

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Negotiations between the union and those responsible are still open. When and whether normal work resumes at all affected beaches is unclear. Authorities are likely to come under pressure: safety comes first, many say in discussions — but at the same time the demands for fair contracts are on the table.

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We will stay on top of it and report as soon as there are new developments. If you head to the coast today: keep your eyes open, ask for the next officially staffed lifeguard station and exercise extreme caution in areas without visible supervision.