Minimum services set for tomorrow’s general strike

The CC.OO and U.G.T. unions are predicting a high turnout in this strike which has been called as a demonstration of disapproval of the Government's policies of social cuts and suppression of workers' rights.

Minimum Services

Air and sea transport. The agreement reached guarantees 50% of flights between islands and between Menorca and the mainland, and 25% of international routes. Flights are already being rescheduled for the days before and after the strike to minimise disruption. In the case of ferries, there will be one connection between Menorca-Barcelona-Ibiza, leaving Maó at 1030 hrs. and returning from Barcelona at 2130 hrs.

Public Buses. An agreement reached last Friday will see routes with more than six buses per day being covered by three buses which will run morning, noon and at night, and those with six or less being reduced to two buses.

Private Buses. There will be four coaches running journeys throughout the day, with times and routes being decided by the management. The bus companies consider the measures "abusive" especially when taking into account that Autobuses Mahón alone was programmed to transport more than 1,000 people to the airport.

Health. Minimum services have been set as for a Sunday, i.e. only personnel working in A&E or on the wards. However, hospital management advise that no appointments have been cancelled and recommend anyone with an appointment tomorrow to telephone first thing in the morning to find out whether their doctor is on strike or not. It is believed that the rest of the medical personnel (nurses and auxiliaries) will be working but there could be a shortage of assistants in laboratories or x-ray departments as well as porters.

Schools. In primary schools the minimum coverage has been set at one director and one secretary and in secondary at one director, a secretary and a janitor. School transport is not considered an essential service, so no minimum coverage has been set. Parents are being advised that "total safety" is guaranteed in those centres of education that are open throughout the school day.

Administration. The minimum has been set at one person to cover reception in each institution, whether it be Town Councils, the Balearic Government, the General State Administration, or health and social services. In the case of the Island Council there will be one person in Maó and one in Ciutadella to deal with the general public.

Banks. Not considered an essential service so it will be up to individual employees whether or not they work, but the general view is that few will strike.

Supermarkets. Most employees appear inclined to work although some stores have taken precautionary measures such as postponing the arrival of new merchandise until Friday.

Hotel Businesses. The establishments will be open to anyone who wishes to exercise their right to work. Management and workers' representatives will have to set minimums for maintenance and security.