Palma: Two Women Arrested on Suspicion of Exploiting Restaurant Workers

Police raid in Palma: Two women are in custody after employees allegedly worked without contracts and were paid only one meal per day.

Police operation in Palma: Two arrests on suspicion of exploitation

Early in the morning, when the old town still looked half asleep and it was drizzling lightly, the Policía Nacional moved to a restaurant in Palma's center. According to witnesses and initial investigations, two women were arrested. They are suspected of employing several foreign workers without contracts and systematically exploiting them.

Who worked apparently got hardly anything: Workers are said to have toiled up to ten hours a day in the venue—and were often paid only with a simple lunch as compensation. Social security, vacation, or days off: none. For many affected people, as neighbors describe it, it sounded more like a stopgap than regular employment.

A 28-year-old employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was afraid to resist: 'Sometimes the only break was the meal at 3 p.m. Sleep, quick shower, back to work.' Such accounts align with what investigators are finding: missing formalities, no registration with Seguridad Social, and documents that are apparently incomplete or not present at all.

The police have opened investigations; interrogations are ongoing, documents have been reviewed. It is not only about missing contracts but also possible violations of immigration and labor law. Whether those responsible will be held criminally liable will be clarified now.

In the neighborhood there are mixed reactions. Some have considered the establishment practical for years, others are outraged: 'You cannot simply exploit people,' says a café owner near Plaça Mayor. Others recall how hard it is for newcomers to handle bureaucracy and language – that is exactly what makes them vulnerable.

The authorities are calling those affected to come forward. There are counseling centers on the island that offer help in such cases – legally and socially. For many of the affected, the situation could now become a turning point: claims for back pay, social security questions, and possible residence arrangements are at stake.

A sober note at the end: Such cases remind us that behind every menu there are people. If you have observed something or are affected, contact the authorities or a counseling center – it helps more than you might think.