On Saturday, April 19, 2025, hundreds of workers at PortAventura World, one of Europe’s largest theme parks, initiated a strike that has marked a historical moment for the resort. This is the first strike at the Costa Daurada location in a decade, and it has led to significant disruptions, including the suspension of ticket sales for the first time in 30 years. The workers, organized by the UGT and CCOO unions, are demanding a new collective agreement that includes better working conditions, fair wages, and increased staffing as negotiations have been stalled since December 2024.
As the sun rose on the busy weekend of Semana Santa, approximately 500 employees gathered at the employee access point, blocking entry and waving banners with slogans such as "Explotaventura recorta nuestros derechos" (Explotaventura cuts our rights) and "Por un convenio digno en PortAventura" (For a dignified agreement at PortAventura). Union representatives expressed that this was a historic day, expecting an 80% participation rate in the strike.
Paco López, the secretary general of UGT PortAventura, described the park's decision to open despite the strike as a "reckless act," arguing that the limited staff available would not be able to adequately serve the visitors. "The park will make a fool of itself. Some management and workers, who have been threatened, will show up, but this small percentage will not be able to serve customers properly," he stated. López emphasized that many employees are experiencing burnout from excessive workloads and insufficient staffing.
In a statement, PortAventura acknowledged the strike and expressed respect for the employees' right to protest. However, they also confirmed that they could not guarantee the quality of service due to the strike's impact. The park opened its gates at 10:30 AM for those who had pre-purchased tickets but warned that only a few attractions would be operational, including Shambhala, Furius Baco, Dragon Khan, and Street Mission.
Union representatives have pointed out that approximately 65% of the workforce earns the minimum wage, and many are on temporary contracts that last between five and nine months a year. They argue that this situation is unacceptable for a company that is a significant economic player in the region, especially during a peak tourist season. "We are tired and exhausted. We earn very little money, barely enough to survive. This company systematically violates the law," López declared.
The unions have been vocal about the need for a new agreement that addresses their demands for salary increases, improved working conditions, and a clearer definition of job roles to reduce the workload. "We are not asking for anything more than decent working conditions and a fair salary for the work we do in a top-tier tourist destination," the unions stated in a previous communication.
Despite the strike, PortAventura's management stated they are open to negotiations and willing to reach an agreement with the workers. However, the unions have made it clear that if the company does not change its stance, protests will continue, potentially escalating into further actions leading up to International Workers' Day on May 1, 2025, which coincides with the park's 30th anniversary.
As the situation unfolds, the implications for the tourism sector in Tarragona are significant, given that PortAventura is one of the main attractions in the area. The UK government has even issued a travel advisory to its citizens, warning them of the potential impact of the strike on their visit to the park.
On the ground, the atmosphere is charged with tension as workers express their frustration with the current state of affairs. Mariluz Guillamón, a representative from CCOO, noted the high level of participation and the disappointment felt by many employees regarding the company's treatment. "People are very disappointed with the company. They feel that their work expectations are not being met with their current pay and treatment. The psychological burden of not having enough staff and the overload of work adds to their frustration," she explained.
As the day progresses, the unions plan to hold an assembly to discuss the next steps in their campaign for better conditions. The workers are determined to stand firm in their demands, signaling that this strike could be just the beginning of their fight for dignity and respect in the workplace.
The strike at PortAventura is not just a local issue; it reflects broader trends in labor rights and workers' demands for fair treatment in the face of corporate profits. As they rally for change, the workers are sending a message that they will no longer accept the status quo. The outcome of this strike could set a precedent for labor relations in the tourism and entertainment industries across Spain.
