Unions threaten legal action over working conditions at Tenerife Sur Airport
The Citizens’ Services Federation of the Canary Islands Workers’ Commissions (FSC-CCOO) and the Canary Islands Workers’ Union (USO Canarias) have stated they will immediately refer the matter to the Labour and Social Security Inspectorate unless the precarious conditions faced by private bus drivers at Tenerife South Airport are rectified.
Parking restrictions spark conflict
The dispute erupted after AENA, the Spanish airport authority, limited parking time to just 30 minutes in the passenger pick-up bay and introduced additional charges. In response, the bus companies moved their drivers to an unsanitary, unprepared lot outside the terminal.
Although AENA and the employers agreed on Monday to suspend the new fees until December 2027, the trade unions stress that the fundamental problems concerning public health and occupational risk prevention remain completely unchanged.
Damning report from safety inspectors
At the last meeting of the Provincial Sector Board, which AENA refused to attend, technicians from the Canary Islands Institute for Occupational Safety (ICASEL) presented a devastating report on the conditions of the designated area. It highlighted: lack of pedestrian crossing markings and deficient night-time lighting, posing a security and accessibility risk; a complete absence of basic hygiene facilities and inadequate ambient temperatures, making the space unhealthy and uncomfortable; and non-compliance with the Law on the Prevention of Occupational Risks and minimum workplace standards.
‘Inadmissible’ delay, say unions
Antonio Perdomo, Secretary of Union Action for USO Canarias, described the employers’ proposal to postpone talks until the end of the year following the agreement with AENA as “inadmissible”. He also lamented the lack of unity among other trade unions. “We flatly refuse to allow our colleagues to spend one more day in such unhealthy working conditions. We cannot remain passive in the face of the negligent conduct of the employers,” he said.
Santiago Domínguez Cabrera, Transport Coordinator for CCOO Canarias, stressed that any economic agreement between companies and the airport operator is invalid if it violates workers’ fundamental rights. “The employers are asking us for time, but we believe you cannot gamble with health and you cannot negotiate with health,” he stated.
Urgent temporary measures demanded
Both unions have said they are willing to allow a technical period for a suitable new location to be prepared for 2027, but they are demanding urgent interim measures now, or they will call in the Labour Inspectorate.
What’s happening in the Canaries – straight to your phone
News, weather alerts and practical updates – direct from the islands, in English. We live here and know what’s going on – before the international media catch up. Everything lands on our WhatsApp channel – no middlemen, no algorithm. Curated for families, expats and travelers.
Oasis on Netflix: Tenerife steals the show in hit thriller series
New deal to boost wine tourism across the Canary Islands
Tenerife’s hidden gem: Punta del Hidalgo camping paradise
Russell Crowe arrives in Gran Canaria for new film role
EU digital wallet: Canary Islands to get single ID app by 2027
Tourists filmed jumping from dangerous height into Tenerife pool
Why adults only hotels are booming in the Canary Islands
Pistacho’s opens in El Médano with 1,000 free ice cream balls
UB40 return to Canary Islands with Ali Campbell this July
