A coffin and briefcases full of money: TIB workers' indefinite strike

PalmTIB workers began their indefinite strike this Friday after failing to reach an agreement with the concessionaires to resolve the dispute. The day began with a protest rally at the Palma Intermodal Station. During the protest, the workers staged a parody of the employers with a coffin bearing the words "RIP collective agreement."

With drums, kettledrums and banners under the slogan "TIB workers fighting for a decent agreement", the workers began the protest, which culminated in a performance parody in which they have dismissed the collective agreement as if it were a funeral, with briefcases full of money. "This money is worth more than all your sweat," said one of the five people who, in the performance, represented a businessman. The workers, for their part, demanded "dignity" and proclaimed: "We're tired of making you richer and richer with our labor."

Meeting at the Tamib

In statements to the media, SATI union spokesperson Juan Rodríguez announced that a meeting has been scheduled for this Friday at the Balearic Islands Arbitration and Mediation Court (Tamib) to attempt to reach an agreement. "They say they're bringing us an offer. We, as always, are willing to negotiate, so we'll go, listen, and decide," he stated. He added that until there is an agreement "presentable" to the workers, the strike will continue.

Asked what agreement they would accept, Rodríguez emphasized that it cannot be specified with a specific amount, because "it's not just about money." If the proposal is satisfactory, SATI would sign a preliminary agreement that would be presented to all workers in an assembly for their approval.

Willingness to agree

For their part, sources from the Government indicated that, during the day on Thursday, contact was maintained with all parties and that the Executive maintains its commitment to reaching an agreement as soon as possible. 96%.

Following Wednesday's meeting with the Government, the Minister of Housing, Territory, and Mobility, José Luis Mateo, noted that positions have been brought closer, which he considers "a priority," although he acknowledged that there are still points to be addressed that will need to be finalized in upcoming meetings.

For SATI, the employers' association "did not budge" and, for example, presented "the same" financial offer as in the previous proposal. On the other hand, the union positively appreciated that the government "did contribute and lend a hand."

The Balearic Transport Business Federation (FEBT) stated that, at this time, "everything is blocked." It also regretted that the companies' proposal was not sufficient for the unions, despite the "extra effort" made.

Thus, TIB workers have begun informational pickets at vehicle doors to verify compliance with minimum services.