16 May 2023 , 11:27
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Brits planning Majorca holidays this summer already need to take note of new tourist rules including booze limits, and now they're being warned of changes to the island's beaches.
In fact, UK holidaymakers are being told that they could be left without emergency cover on major beaches after lifeguards called an indefinite strike.
Up to 60 lifeguards covering the popular resorts in the capital of Palma are to start industrial action from Sunday, May 21st.
They are protesting over promised salary and labour improvements and are warning they will NOT comply with the legal requirement to provide minimum services. That means the beaches of Platja de Palma, Cala Estancia, Ciutat Jardí, Portixol, Can Pere Antoni and Cala Major would be left unattended as the busy season swings into action.
The Palma lifeguards say salary and work improvements agreed last year have not been implemented.
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Lifeguards are going on strike at a number of major beaches in Majorca (Getty Images)Secretary of the Union of Lifeguards, Julián Delgado said the entire workforce - some 45 workers in low season and 60 in high season - will leave the beaches of the municipality unattended until the concessionaire, Emergencies Setmil S.L., complies with the commitment agreed in the summer of 2022.
Last year, the lifeguards staged two protests to demand better conditions. Agreement was later reached to expand the staff, improve salaries and infrastructures and start the season at the beginning of April instead of May 1st.
But Julian Delgado said: "We have not started the campaign in April, nor do we have adequate infrastructure, nor staff and salaries have increased."
Emergencies Setmil says it doesn't receive enough money from Palma city council to expand the workforce or increase salaries but the town hall insists it has given the company more money to implement improvements. The council also says the start of the season will begin in April 2024.
The strike will mean no lifeguard cover on the Palma beaches from 11am to 7pm and will refuse to provide a minimum service.
The union says the beaches are lacking major facilities such as walkways suitable for wheelchair users and the 13 lifeguard towers are "not in a good condition" with many having missing steps.
"We are suffering from disastrous management," said Mr Delgado. "Not only have we not improved but we have we are worse than other years."
The strike will be indefinite until an agreement is reached.
As well as the warning around beaches, Brits planning holidays to Majorca will need to take note of a series of new rules, as part of a wider crackdown on unruly tourists in the Balearic Islands.
This includes a new smoking ban on some of Majorca's beaches such as Sant Joan, Sa Platgeta, Santa Ponsa, Cala Estància, Cala Sant Vicenç and Caló des Moro.
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Other rules will see all-inclusive hotels imposing restrictions on free booze, restaurants implementing strict dress codes, and some hefty fines for attending unauthorised parties.
The rules have been part of authorities' plans to crackdown on boozy Brits who flock to the island for its world-famous parties and nightclubs.
Earlier this month, the Balearic Government and the British Embassy launched a joint campaign to restate zero tolerance for "tourism of excesses". The consul, Lloyd Milen, said at the launch: "We all have a responsibility to know the rules, comply with them and guarantee an excellent vacation for ourselves and those around us."