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Costa Del Sol Strike Fears

12th May 2006 Over 15,000 Spanish hotel staff have threatened to walk out. Chambermaids, cleaners, receptionists and other hotel staff could all strike this summer.

Holidaymakers could be caught up in summer chaos on Spain's Costa del Sol if hotel workers go on strike.

Spanish unions are set to pull out their workers for 14 days in June, July and August. A move which unions claim will force hotels to close all along the 120-mile stretch of beaches.

Brits holidaying in the Spanish resorts of Marbella, Fuengirola, Puerto Banus, Benalmadena and Torremolinos could face having their holidays ruined if the strike goes ahead.

But the Association of British Travel Agents said a strike could "seriously damage" tourism in the area.

"If it does go ahead, our members will have plenty of warning and will have contingency plans in place to make sure everyone is offered alternative accommodation.", said an ABTA spokesman.

The UGT and CCOO unions want a £20-a-month pay rise and better conditions for their members.

UGT tourism secretary Jose Antonio Sedano said: "The strikes will lead to most of the hotels being forced to close.

"This will undoubtedly cause a massive disruption to people's holidays but the employers have refused to meet our very reasonable demands and we have no option but to strike."

The unions said the strikes would take place on June 22 to 25, July 20 to 23, and August 1 to 6 but the walkouts have yet to be approved by the unions' delegates who will be meeting on May 24.

A similar dispute involving bar workers, restaurant staff and beach staff has been resolved.

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