Puerto de la Cruz Council Resolves Employment Dispute
The Municipality of Puerto de la Cruz has resolved a conflict with the approximately one hundred employees who are not civil servants. The local government, led by Leopoldo Afonso of the Popular Party, has reached an agreement that avoids a legal dispute with its staff, a struggle that initiated in 2023 during the tenure of former mayor Marco González of the PSOE.
Long-Awaited Agreement
After months of dialogue and collaborative work between employee representatives and the city government, an understanding has finally been reached, bringing stability to the hundred employees who provide paid services to the local council through their contracts.
Budget Amendment Paves the Way
The key to this resolution was the approval of a budget modification worth €100,000 in the most recent council meeting, which secures funding for the productivity bonus for the years 2024 and 2025.
Significant Milestone in Labour Relations
According to Afonso’s team, this step marks a “milestone” in labour relations within the council, recognising the efforts of staff across various municipal services. In addition, the council has committed to ensuring adequate funding in the 2026 budget to extend the productivity bonus to both civil servants and labour staff, “moving towards a model of recognition that is more equitable and transparent,” according to the mayor.
Commitment to Worker Recognition
Leopoldo Afonso emphasised that this agreement reflects “the commitment of this government to the stability and recognition of our workers, who are a key part of the city’s effective functioning.” He added, “This conflict has been ongoing for far too long, and we can now proudly state that it has been resolved through dialogue and responsibility.”
Future Stability and Trust
The councillor for Finance and Personnel Management, Pedro Antonio Campos, highlighted that the goal “has always been to provide a fair and balanced response to labour staff, addressing their demands while maintaining sustainability and ongoing dialogue.” He noted, “With this agreement, we not only close a chapter of labour tension but also open a new era of stability and trust, as 2026 will be a decisive year for consolidating a stable system that rewards the performance and effort of all staff, according to objective criteria that ensure equity and merit in distribution.”
A Fairer Work Environment Ahead
Through this decision, the Municipality of Puerto de la Cruz reaffirms its commitment to “continue building a more equitable, modern workforce framework focused on the quality public service that citizens deserve.”
