Canary Islands strike: buses must run 40 per cent of transfers

Anyone operating ad hoc bus services in the Canary Islands on Wednesday must provide at least 40 per cent of journeys between ports or airports and the destination during the strike. This figure includes all journeys that a provider makes in a single day from there to the destination and back, between 00:00 and 24:00.

Minimum services are also in place for freight transport, as stipulated by the Canary Islands Government. The sector must ensure deliveries to hospitals and health centres, as well as medicines and urgently needed goods that protect people’s lives, health and safety. This also includes the transport of dangerous goods used to supply businesses. The guidelines have been laid down by the Ministry of Public Works, Housing and Mobility; the order can be found in the Official Gazette of the Canary Islands.

The trade unions CCOO, UGT and CGT have called a full-day strike across the entire road transport sector. As well as buses, the strike will affect taxis, hire cars with drivers, school and tourist transport, and freight transport. The strike notice was issued on 22 October by José Agustín Espino Flores, President of the Association of Transport Companies of the Canary Islands.

Canary Islands strike: Bus services reduced due to high tourist numbers

The Ministry justifies the 40 per cent quota as follows: taxis alone would be unable to cope with the additional demand from residents and incoming holidaymakers. According to official tourism statistics, a total of around 18.4 million tourists visited the islands in 2025, generating revenue of 24.431 billion euros.

The matter was dealt with by two government departments. On 23 October, the Directorate-General for Labour forwarded the strike notices to the Directorate-General for Transport, which then prepared the arrangements for minimum services.

Employees who have been called on to strike must maintain minimum services. It is up to the individual transport companies to decide how the shifts are allocated for this purpose and whether they are adhered to. Anyone wishing to challenge the order may lodge an appeal with the Ministry within one month or, alternatively, bring a claim before the Administrative Court.