This is exactly why unions exists. Call the local union and start fighting back. If you’re rejected from the existing union, you should make your own union. You should not work under the described conditions at all.

i dont know why you guys are afraid to lose a job that you despise so much.....you dont need an open letter....what you need is a proper CV and proper documents and to go look for a proper job....dont look for work in shitty strip bars and restaurants...theyre shitty for a reason....do everything legally and you wont have this issue.....and if all else fails, then this obviously is not the place for you....the world is a big place full of jobs.....get out there and have a look.

Then you wonder why Britain voted to leave the EU. Who is policing this sort of outrageous and flagrant breach of EU working time regulations. No point being part of a union (the EU) that allows this to happen. No trade union and no contracts I suspect Spain and Majorca in particular should hang its head in shame.

I'm disturbed by David's comments, but not surprised. Spanish employment contracts are very much geared towards the employee, and any local, Spanish worker would never sign such a document, knowing it is completely unreasonable. I doubt whether the majority of these 'employers' (and I use the term loosely) have ensured these people have NIE, or any other official papers sorted. This has been going on far too long. Stop exploiting the young people, who hope to come to Spain, and work hard, enjoy the sun and make a life for themselves. This is tantamount to modern slavery, and it needs to stop.

It’s not up to the Calvia council to check up on the legality of an EU member state legality or work contract. What we should have been told is whether they are inscribed in the Spanish national health system and have a government approved contract and not just a piece of paper with the owners signature on it. Having said that, it is difficult to refuse to work longer hours than the maximum 40 hours plus a day off every week without risking your job. Many workers are asked to sign, or do so without knowing, a voluntary resignation letter at the same time of signing the contract. They are not forced to stay if they don’t like it and thankfully it won’t be a long time career they are looking for, just a summer off abroad.

I am very sorry to hear about the problems that these workers have. The blame lies entirely with the Balearic Government and all inclusive hotel owners who conspired to put a block on private villa and apartment rentals. The huge drop in Inderpendent visitors is clearly visible in the empty bars restaurant and car hire offices, as these free spending visitors have now given Majorca a miss and will probably be gone for ever. Added to the overtures by the anti-tourist groups and the island has shit itself in the foot as far as tourism goes. The result even more unemployment and no seasonal jobs even low paid in future. Adios by us to Majorca after many years.

Calvia council have a clear duty to apply the law. Why don't they? Is there no organization or union to support these workers?

This is a rediculous letter, probably from a scorned employee who was too lazy to do the hours expected. People forget that when you come out to do a 'season' it's a season where work is necessary to live, to pay Bill's and keep up with responsibilities. Work here isn't any easier just because it's in the sun it's hard work, but as far as I'm concerned people working hard are earning a generous wage, often I see people earn more than double the standard wage in the UK. A nightly wage for an 8 hour shift in most establishments is typically 60 euros. If you aren't happy with the wage you find work elsewhere theres no end of jobs available. This letter DOES NOT speak for the majority of workers here in Magaluf.

Louise something smells funny in all this. Did you ask them if they had work permits, were they registered to pay local tax and why would they take the job if such a low salary was being offered. because if they are no t legal then they lend themselves open to exploytation. I think there is more to it than meets the eye.

Live the Mallorcan dream. Terrible to read this AGAIN . This situation is not uncommon and also regarding housing . Some workers can rent an apartment during low season where the price is " let's say ok" but once April comes the rent goes up sometimes x 3. So also contents of the rental contracts ( if they exist?) are like the working sheets A piece of paper with legal value at al. Some workers are only there for the summer but if you really live on the island land have a family and undergo this is a total different situation Where is Richard Gere to solve this.