THE Association of Majorcan Automobile Mechanics (ASEMA) publicly condemned yesterday what it described as pirate workshops operating in the island which were undermining their businesses.
Association President, Joan Oliver, claimed that as a result of the economic crisis, illegal mechanics with their cheaper prices had meant that lawful workshops were earning between 25 and 30 percent less this year than they were in 2009.
ASEMA said that the pirate operations were frequently made up of people who had previously worked in the vehicle repair industry who were now jobless, and mechanics who already had jobs but were taking on work on the side at lower rates.
Oliver estimated that the pirates go to make up between 20 and 40 percent of all operating garages on the island, some of which were located on out-of-the-way country properties to escape notice.
ASEMA believe, said Oliver, that generally, the pirate shops carry out general maintenance work such as small repairs, because they don't have the specialist equipment necessary to carry out major undertakings.
In the event of repairs not being carried out properly, said Oliver, the public is much better protected using legal mechanics, because of proper guarantees being in place.
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