Scandal on the Balearic Islands: Security firms allegedly deny breaks

Allegations against private security firms: \"No end in sight\"

The rest period for security personnel on the Balearic Islands is suddenly in the spotlight. A union has filed a complaint with the labor inspectorate and claims that many workers in the private security sector regularly do not get breaks or have breaks that are too short. That sounds like paperwork – but for those affected it's everyday: long shifts, exhausted nights and hardly any time to breathe.

What exactly is being criticized?

According to the union, up to 6,000 workers on the islands are affected, of which about 2,500 security guards. The central critique: violations of Article 55 of the Spanish labor law, which regulates the prescribed rest times. The union speaks of a rate where roughly 80 percent of workers cannot take their breaks as prescribed. This is not petty – lack of rest increases the risk of errors, accidents and stress-related illnesses.

In small conversations at kiosks in Palma or at the station around 6 a.m., you hear the same story: \"We take the break in the car, between two assignments\" or \"If we stop, the system collapses, there is no replacement\". Many are apparently forced to accept the overtime because the salary otherwise is not enough.

Companies: Labor shortage as an argument

The security firms point to acute labor shortages and argue that they cannot refuse new contracts. The union sees no convincing excuse: contracts would be accepted further instead of designing rosters so that breaks are observed. A classic dilemma between costs, workforce planning and duty of care.

What does the union demand – and what happens now?

The demand is clear: a comprehensive investigation of working conditions on the islands and at national level, adjustments to collective bargaining agreements and additional hires so that the legal rest times are actually observed. Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz is reportedly already aware of the complaints – an official investigation is underway.

For the security guards, this is about more than comfort: it's about health, safety and financial security. Some voices in the sector say they have completed in three months work what would normally take a whole year. That sounds like burnout and is a serious warning signal.

The coming weeks will show whether controls and possible sanctions will follow. Until then, the situation remains tense: guards still tired, companies under pressure, politics under obligation. And honestly – who among us would want to rely on a tired guard at night?

Keywords: Labour law, security, union, Balearic Islands