Tourist businesses worried about strike pickets

PALMA
THE Majorcan Association of Tourist Businesses (Acotur) expressed its concern yesterday over the possible presence of pickets during today's strike, and that they might try and force those traders wanting to stay open, to close.

The President of Acotur, Jose Tirado confirmed that since last Thursday, his association has received more than 30 calls from members who have been expressing serious worry. Tirado said that he had had assurances from the Guardia Civil that were there to be disturbances involving pickets, officers would go to the establishments concerned to make sure that things “didn't get out of hand.” Tirado criticised strikers yesterday by saying that their industrial action should be directed against the government and not against companies. After all, he pointed out, part of the reason the strike is taking place is because Central Government forced labour reforms through Parliament without consensus from unions.

Tirado said that he believed that there may be “strong pressure” from pickets in areas such as the centre of Palma, in s'Arenal and in Calvia whereas in other places in the Balearics there would be less likelihood of conflict.

Tirado said that pickets will be depending on their intimidating presence to force the closure of businesses which had chosen to remain open during the general strike.

He said that in order to help those who are being bothered by pickets, the offices of Actotur will be giving “constant” assistance to its members. Central Government, said Tirado, has said that the rights of those to work, or not work on the day of the general strike should be respected.

It's important, he furthered, that those who choose to open for business should be protected from problems, threats and anything which interferes with their freedom of choice to work.

Hoteliers in the Calvia area had said last week that they believed that there would be very little inconvenience to tourists during today's strike. Ninety percent of staff were expected to turn up for work, and there is little, alleged the hoteliers, that could significantly undermine the day of visitors who were on holiday.

Clearly, a spokesman for the Palmanova-Magalluf Hoteliers Association had said, there may be minor inconveniences. It's important, he emphasized, that clients know that public transport will be operating with agreed minimum services only.