Canary Islands fury as protests held in Tenerife and Gran Canaria

By Jennifer Pinto, Audience writer

This comes following recent protests asking for a more sustainable tourism model (Image: Getty)

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in the Canary Islands on Thursday, calling for a fairer distribution of wealth, especially when it comes to tourism. Workers from sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and retail joined the protests, demanding improved conditions, fairer wages, and stronger labour protections, marching under slogans like 'Protect what we’ve achieved'. Organised by Spain's major unions, UGT and CCOO, thousands of people protested in Gran Canaria and Tenerife, voicing their mounting frustration over economic inequality, stagnant wages, the rising cost of living, unaffordable housing, and the deterioration of public services.

While official figures from the local government delegation estimated the turnout being under 3,000 between the two major islands, union sources claimed more than 10,000 people participated, according to Europa Press. The unions described the Canaries as 'one of the poorest regions in Spain, despite being one of the most profitable'.

The unions are calling for a fairer distribution of wealth especially when it comes to tourism (Image: Getty)

Despite the islands’ booming tourism industry, workers in sectors like hospitality and private healthcare say they continue to face low pay and poor working conditions.

Union leaders highlighted that despite a steady rise in living expenses, the Canary Islands remain the region with the lowest salaries in the country, being left behind despite its significant contribution to Spain's wealth.

The marches began in the morning, with protesters walking from symbolic locations such as Parque San Telmo in Gran Canaria and Plaza Weyler in Tenerife.

People were also protesting against lengthy wait times in the public healthcare system, inadequate staffing, and significant underfunding.

Many workers in the sector say their conditions are deteriorating, with little regard from employers for occupational health and safety.

Héctor Fajardo, Secretary for Organisation and Institutional Relations at UGT Canarias, said that growing support for far-right governments across Europe poses a serious threat to long-standing social and labour gains.

He said:"We feel compelled to mobilise in defence of the social and labour rights of all Canarians."

The unions say that the wealth stays in the hands of a few amid rising living costs and housing.

This follows recent protests against the effects of overtourism, with new mass demonstrations scheduled for 18th May, calling for a more sustainable tourism model, and addressing the ongoing housing crisis and worsening living conditions in the Canary Islands.