Lifeguards in Mallorca announce indefinite strike

Uncertain beach season: lifeguards go on strike from September 28

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It's one of those news moments that makes you swallow for a moment: from September 28, lifeguards in Palma and in the municipality of Calvià plan to strike indefinitely. The union announced this on Friday. On the promenades in Playa de Palma and in the popular coves of Calvià, from Magaluf to Palmanova, people immediately think of crowded beaches and the question: who will then secure the coastline?

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What exactly are the employees complaining about?

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The list of grievances reads like years of frustration: too low wages, many fixed-term contracts, staff that, according to the union, is not sufficiently qualified. \"We jump over our limits every day,\" says a lifeguard who wishes to remain anonymous, \"but if the conditions are like this, we cannot work responsibly any longer.\"

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The union accuses the Balearic government of ignoring minimum standards at the beaches. Specifically, it concerns service times, rest periods, and the number of qualified response personnel per beach section. If that is true, safety is at risk—and that's a problem that affects not only the employees but the whole island.

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What does this mean for tourists and locals?

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In the short term, gaps in surveillance could occur. In peak season, that would be a catastrophe; by the end of September there are fewer people in the water, but there are still weeks with good weather. Police and the municipality apparently discuss emergency plans internally—replacements by the fire brigade or civil rescue services would be feasible, but not a permanent solution.

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How are politics and authorities reacting?

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So far there have only been sharp words from both sides. The government has announced it will hold talks, but has not yet named a firm date. Unions demand negotiations \"without preconditions.\" The clock is ticking: the closer September 28 approaches, the more urgent the question becomes about quick but sustainable solutions.

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A candid interjection: Many locals sympathize with the lifeguards. Anyone who has lived on Mallorca for a long time knows the stories of overtime, changing contracts, and the constant pressure to stay vigilant at every wave. At the same time, there is concern for guests who rely on the red flags and the attention at the beach.

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What now? If you are going to the beach soon: pay attention to notices, avoid risky areas, and stay particularly watchful with children. We will keep you up to date as soon as there is news from the negotiations — hopefully with a solution that combines safety and fair working conditions.