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Private coach drivers consider new pay offer
Today's talks between management personel from the private coach companys and union representatives have resulted in a 2% pay increase offer in an attempt to avert further strike action. The two sides met today in Palma to try to ensure that last Fridays strike action is not repeated.
Discussions centred on rates of pay and working hours, with the unions originally asking for a 2.5-3% increase in pay and assurances that drivers will not be expected to work more than 7.5 hours in a shift.
Last weeks strike saw thousands of tourists stranded at the airport as their coach drivers were unable to take them to their hotels because of picket lines. In Majorca, only 20% of the union members supported the strike and those who wished to work were threatened by pickets throwing stones and damaging coaches.
Flights were delayed as travellers struggled to get to the airport from popular resorts 50km away, such as Alcudia and Can Picafort in the north of Majorca. Massive queues for taxis formed at the airport with waits of over two hours being commonplace.
Two cruise ships cancelled their visits to Palma de Mallorca on Friday as it became clear that none of their excursions would be able to run without their coaches.
The strike was called off 20 hours after it started at midnight last Thursday. The unions are considering todays offer and talks will resume on Thursday.
