Tenerife Tram Strike Ends After Worker Vote
Metropolitano staff in Tenerife overwhelmingly approved a preliminary agreement to end a nearly two-year tram strike, with the final deal expected today.
Yesterday, staff at Metropolitano voted to approve a preliminary agreement. This deal, signed last week by the Island Council, the company, and workers' representatives, aims to end the Tenerife tram strike after nearly two years of disputes.
Out of 212 employees, 176 (83%) cast their votes, showing strong participation. Most, 147 people (83.5%), voted to end the strike, while 27 wanted it to continue. There was also one void vote and one blank vote. The final agreement is set to be signed today at 9:30 AM.
The vote took place at Metrotenerife's depots, offices, and workshops on the main road of La Cuesta, across from the El Cardonal stop. All 212 workers were invited to vote in two sessions, matching their work shifts. The morning shift voted from 10 AM to 12 PM, and the afternoon shift voted between 4 PM and 6 PM.
The final agreement includes existing safety measures and new improvements to staff working conditions. A key part is a plan to move towards a "21st-century Administration," which means introducing a 35-hour work week. This will happen gradually, with a transition period before it's fully implemented, including a system for work breaks. Other demands will be discussed during the next round of collective bargaining.
One major issue during the conflict, especially early on, was the use of silica sand. This problem has been gradually resolved to ensure a healthy workplace. By June 2025, all 26 trams will use only calcium silicate, a material approved by Alstom, the tram manufacturer. Additionally, all facilities, depots, and track areas have undergone a thorough cleaning.
The tram strike began on February 9th, 2024, during Carnival Parade Friday. Its end brings relief to passengers in the Metropolitan area of Tenerife, who rely on the tram as a vital mode of transport. Despite an 80% minimum service being maintained, the strike caused slower services and affected journey times and frequencies.
This new step ensures the operational stability of a service that has recently seen record-high passenger numbers. Last year, it served nearly 25 million passengers, the highest figure recorded since the tram's inauguration in June 2007.