Thousands of people took to the streets today across the Canary Islands in a wave of May Day protests demanding better wages, stronger workers’ rights, and a fairer distribution of wealth.
Demonstrations organised by Spain’s largest trade unions, UGT and CCOO, saw major turnouts in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Marchers voiced concerns about worsening pay conditions, growing inequality, and what they described as the region’s failing healthcare system.
Protesters accused private healthcare providers and the hospitality sector of underpaying staff, despite the island's booming tourism industry. Many carried signs reading “Defend What We’ve Achieved”, in a push to protect labour rights they fear are under threat.
Héctor Fajardo from UGT Canarias warned that a shift towards right-wing politics across Europe was putting workers’ protections at risk. He said it was vital to defend the social and labour rights of Canary Islanders, who he claimed are being left behind despite the islands’ strong economic contribution.
Rallies began in the morning, with demonstrators marching from key locations including Parque San Telmo in Gran Canaria and Plaza Weyler in Tenerife. Unions said the region continues to have the lowest wages in Spain, while the cost of living keeps rising.
Many also took aim at the public healthcare system, calling it the worst in the country. They highlighted long waiting lists, poor working conditions, and underinvestment as key problems driving staff shortages and low morale.
On a national level, demonstrators called for the introduction of a 37.5 hour working week and stronger collective bargaining rights. There were also demands for action on gender equality, housing rights, and better pay.
The protests come at a time of growing discontent over economic inequality in Spain, particularly in regions like the Canary Islands, where many workers say they are not seeing the benefits of the post-pandemic recovery.
