Fresh train strike hits Majorca commuters, hopes for accord

PALMA
MAJORCAN Railway Services (SFM) employees carried out their threat of a 24-hour strike yesterday, causing inconvenience to some 2'000 passengers.
Works Committee spokesman Pelayo Carrasco said that whilst only 22 of the total SFM staff of 230 had “come out on strike for 24 hours” the principle behind the industrial action was supported by 100 percent of the workers. He pointed out that for the first time, 65 percent of services had remained operational due to a prior agreement between SFM management and staff.

Works Committee President Alejandro Hoyas reminded the public that the reasons that industrial action was being taken were linked to demands by employees that greater safety measures be taken in relation to the company's rolling stock. The Committee is claiming that insufficient maintenance is at the root of many operational problems and one of the key issues on the negotiating table, said Hoyas, is the call for SFM to give permanent contracts to at least ten more mechanics. He nevertheless said that meetings held with management on the day prior to the strike showed some signs of a breakthrough. Hoyas added though that further industrial action won't be called off until a signed agreement is reached. A Workers' Assembly has been called for next week to debate the issue. Further stoppages have been earmarked for 12th, 18th and 19th November.