Ibiza's hoteliers find it complicated to apply the reduction in working hours

The Hotel Business Federation of Ibiza and Formentera (FEHIF) reiterated yesterday that the reduction of the working day is not something the sector looks favourably upon because of the difficulties its implementation will entail.

"If we already have problems with workers' housing and now we have to make sketches of their schedules, it will lead to a collapse. So, we will have to see how this reduction is implemented to try to alleviate as much inconvenience as possible," said the president of the employers' association, María Costa.

She also reiterated the "huge effort" that other changes, such as a possible wage increase, will mean for hoteliers and business owners. Mainly with the first of the measures, we will have to wait to see how it should be applied "because, in the end, it will have an impact on businesses and will have to be in line with what is proposed in the collective bargaining negotiations," she insisted.

The Federation recently participated in the constitution of the Negotiating Committee of the 17th Hotel and Catering Agreement of the Balearic Islands, an agreement that will affect more than 180,000 workers on the islands. The employers' association recalled that the agreement is "fundamental" for the evolution of the tourism and hotel sector, as the agreement must adapt to new challenges and operational needs.

The FEHIF yesterday reiterated its concern about the lack of clarity on the reduction of working hours and the difficulties that its application may pose in a sector characterised by the need for presence and the shortage of skilled labour. Regarding the wage increase, the companies expressed their concern at the meeting about the economic impact of the measure and how they will be able to take on new workloads without compromising the viability of the business.

The parties reiterated the importance of guaranteeing their employees adequate conditions without compromising business competitiveness. Thus, according to FEHIF, the meeting discussed the operational flexibility that should allow a better adaptation to seasonality and fluctuating tourism demand. They also addressed the reduction of absenteeism and the improvement of training with the aim of promoting a higher quality service in the Balearic Islands.

The president of the employers' association explained that they have thus kicked off the negotiations for the future agreement and, in principle, the predisposition of all parties seems positive.

Source: periodicodeibiza.es