By M10News Travel Desk | © M10News 2025
British holidaymakers could see their summer getaways disrupted by widespread strike action across some of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations, with major walkouts planned in the Balearic Islands.
Hospitality sector workers across Majorca, Ibiza, Formentera, and other Balearic hotspots have warned they will begin strikes from July 10 after negotiations over pay and working conditions collapsed.
Up to 180,000 workers in hotels, bars, restaurants, and other tourist establishments—representing a majority of the sector’s workforce on the islands—are poised to join the strike, threatening widespread disruption during the peak holiday season.
The escalation comes as part of a broader wave of industrial unrest and anti-tourism demonstrations across Spain.
A central sticking point in the dispute is the 17% pay rise demanded by unions. So far, employers have only offered an 8.5% salary increase, which unions have dismissed as insufficient.
The threat of walkouts follows a last-minute deal this week that narrowly averted strikes in parts of the Canary Islands, including Tenerife. However, no agreement has been reached for the Balearics.
If unresolved, further targeted strikes will take place on July 18, 19, 25, and 31 across Majorca, Ibiza, and Formentera. The action is expected to severely impact all bars, cafes, restaurants, and nightlife venues.
The Impact of Travel Disruptions on British Tourists
The influential UGT union is also calling for significant reforms to working conditions, including a 35-hour workweek and an extension of seasonal fixed-term contracts from six to nine months per year.
UGT spokesperson José García Relucio accused employers of offering “more crumbs,” telling MailOnline that employers had not only refused key demands but had also sought to roll back existing agreements.
Meanwhile, the Majorca Hotel Business Federation hit back, blaming the union for fostering a poor negotiating environment and failing to consider the industry’s economic limitations.
“We have been willing to address the issue of guaranteed employment for fixed-term contracts, but they have not listened to our reasons for not increasing the proposed [salary] offer,” said María José Aguiló, vice-president of the federation.
The looming Balearic strikes come as travel to Spain is already facing turbulence. EasyJet cabin crew in Spain launched industrial action this week, resulting in dozens of flight cancellations to key destinations such as Malaga, Barcelona, and Alicante.
On Thursday alone, 62 EasyJet flights to and from Spain were scrapped as the strike entered its second day. The USO union, representing cabin crew, is demanding pay parity with EasyJet employees in other countries and has warned of an indefinite strike if progress is not made.
Simultaneously, anti-tourism sentiment in Spain is intensifying. Earlier this month, thousands of residents marched in protest at mass tourism, urging British visitors to “go home” over fears of unsustainable overcrowding.
In Palma de Majorca, demonstrators brandished signs reading “Mallorca is not your cash cow” and “Your holidays, our anxiety” as they marched past bewildered tourists.
Spain, one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, is facing growing tensions between its lucrative tourism sector and concerns over local living conditions, worker rights, and environmental strain.
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