Lifeguards in Barcelona call indefinite strike from August 1

Lifeguards on Barcelona's city beaches will launch an indefinite strike starting Friday, August 1.

The strike action, called by the CGT union, comes in response to a lack of improvements in working conditions and the failure to honour agreements reached in previous years.

According to the union, the decision was taken unanimously following a "failed" meeting held on Monday between workers' representatives and FCC Medioambiente, the company contracted to provide the lifeguard service.

The lifeguards are demanding a bespoke collective labour agreement (known in Catalan as a conveni), a reduction in job instability, and implementation of measures that were previously agreed.

They say that their working conditions have worsened since 2023, despite two strikes and multiple rounds of negotiations with the city council.

In a statement, CGT said the workforce felt even more motivated to take action after the city council set minimum service levels at 80%, meaning most lifeguards must still work during the strike.

The union argues this highlights the vital nature of their role. 

The union criticised the council for treating the lifeguard service as "essential" only when it suits them, calling it "paradoxical" that officials now use the same arguments lifeguards have long made, pointing out that "the high number of beachgoers and rising water temperatures are directly linked to the increase in fatalities."

The issue affects not only lifeguards but also medical staff, nurses, boat operators and crews, the statement pointed out.

CGT has also called for a demonstration in Plaça Sant Jaume on August 1 at 10am.