The prolonged lifeguard strike in Barcelona, which lasted 27 days, has ended. The decision to stop the protest was made after agreements were reached between union representatives and city authorities. The official signing of the agreement took place at the Labor Department of the Generalitat de Catalunya.
The conflict between the lifeguards and the city administration had been ongoing for several years. The main demands of the workers were to extend the working season, expand the staff, and improve technical support. This year, the strike began on August 1, when lifeguards called for a separate collective agreement, more personnel, and additional resources to ensure safety on the beaches.
During the strike, limited security measures were in place on Barcelona’s main beaches: only half of the lifeguard stations operated, and many areas displayed yellow flags to warn about reduced security. Several lifeguard towers remained closed, causing concern among visitors and city residents.
According to the agreement reached, during the low season, the number of working days for lifeguards will increase by 26, and three additional shifts will be introduced at the start of the season. At the height of summer, another 21 days of heightened duty are planned. In addition, all watchtowers will start operating from the third weekend of May, which will improve beach safety from the very beginning of the swimming season.
An important part of the agreements was the involvement of lifeguards in the modernization of the rescue service facilities, as well as oversight of the management company responsible for organizing the work. This will help eliminate previous administrative shortcomings that had negatively affected the quality of service.
The union notes that these changes were made possible thanks to the cohesion of the team and their persistence in defending their rights. Now, lifeguards expect further improvement and increased efficiency of the service to ensure maximum safety for all visitors to Barcelona’s beaches.
It should be recalled that last year, similar protests took place in the capital of Catalonia due to unsatisfactory working conditions and a change of contractor. This season, the situation escalated again, but the parties were able to find a compromise which, according to the negotiators, will serve as a foundation for stable operations of the rescue service in the future.
The new measures are expected to not only improve working conditions for lifeguards but also enhance safety on Barcelona’s beaches, which is especially important at the height of the tourist season.
