Guadalpín Banús Hotel Workers Protest Against Mass Dismissals
Employees of the Guadalpín Banús hotel in Marbella have taken to the streets of Malaga to protest against the termination of 180 of their colleagues. The protest, which saw around 50 workers participate, was aimed at ensuring adherence to the tourism law to prevent the layoffs following a court-ordered closure of a section of the hotel.
Protesters Meet with Tourism Delegate
The protesters gathered in Malaga city, home to the Junta’s tourism delegation for the province. During the demonstration, committee members and their legal representatives met with Gemma del Corral, the Junta’s delegate for tourism in Malaga. They requested the administration’s intervention and urged for the immediate reopening of the communal areas that had been shut down.
Hotel Services Disrupted, Says Workers’ Representative
Cristian González, a representative of the works council, stated that the hotel currently has around a hundred rooms occupied by tourists who are unable to access basic services such as breakfast and the restaurant due to the closure of essential common areas. He expressed gratitude for the support of the guests, who are being provided breakfast and attended to as best as possible under the circumstances.
Workers Fear Job Losses Amid Ongoing Legal Battle
González revealed that the workers have planned a series of demonstrations in light of the potential loss of 180 jobs due to the ongoing legal process, which still has significant court dates pending. The protesters argued that the situation could have been avoided, especially considering the high occupancy rate of the hotel in mid-July.
Management Company May Propose ERTE, Warns Workers’ Representative
González warned that if no action is taken soon, the management company may propose an ERTE (Temporary Employment Regulation File). He added that the current situation experienced by tourists is not sustainable for long, and that the hotel can only continue operating under these conditions until the end of the month at most.
Meeting with Tourism Officials Sparks Optimism
Following the meeting with the tourism delegate, committee chair Jackeline Largacha expressed optimism and satisfaction, stating that some doubts have been clarified and that the board’s non-compliance with the tourism law has been rectified. Agreements of understanding have been reached with the Junta, and a tourism inspector is already at the hotel to ensure further progress.
Call for Meeting with Judge
González also called for a meeting with the judge responsible for the decision that led to the police cordoning off part of the hotel facilities. The meeting was attended by Yolanda de Aguilar, secretary general for tourism, who, along with Del Corral, deemed the meeting constructive and pledged to find ways to keep the hotel operational and secure the 180 jobs.
Commitment to Preserve Jobs and Hotel’s Reputation
Both officials emphasized their commitment to preserving jobs and the hotel’s reputation, stating, “The aim is to help keep jobs and the hotel open and help the prestige of the brand of a destination like Marbella within the legal margin.”
