700 Mijas Council workers to go on strike on Thursday after stalled negotiations

Over 700 council workers in Mijas are set to stage a one-day strike on Thursday, March 26, in protest against what they describe as years of stalled negotiations, deteriorating working conditions, and delays in job stabilisation.

The action, called by the works council and staff committee with the backing of major unions including CSIF, CCOO, UGT, UPLB, and SIP-AN, affects employees across all council services. Union representatives say collective bargaining talks have been blocked for more than two years due to a lack of genuine dialogue from the town hall administration.

Key Demands

They argue that the council’s approach, based on unilateral decisions rather than negotiation, has created an unsustainable situation. Court rulings have already declared certain changes to job positions null and void, yet the administration has chosen to appeal each verdict, prolonging the dispute and causing more concern among long-serving employees.

Workers are demanding:

• The immediate resumption of the job stabilisation process under the 2022 Public Employment Offer.
• Progress on a new collective agreement.
• Proper staffing levels to prevent further erosion of public services.

Personal impact on long-term staff

One example highlighted by residents involves long-standing instructors in popular community classes. A local resident who recently began Tai Chi lessons in La Cala de Mijas learned that the contracts of several experienced teachers, including one with over 20 years of service and a strong following among students, are reportedly being terminated and replaced by others with close ties to the town hall. This has caused concerns among participants that the changes prioritise personal connections over continuity and quality.

Protest Schedule

The strike day will include two public demonstrations:

• 10.30am — outside Mijas Town Hall.
• 4pm — outside the Casa de la Cultura in Las Lagunas.

Organisers say the mobilisations are a direct response to what is claimed as the council’s “permanent inaction” and warn that the ongoing lack of planning and loss of experienced staff are already affecting the quality of essential public services provided to residents.

Broader Implications

The dispute has drawn attention from the large expatriate community in the area, many of whom participate in council-run activities and classes. Supporters hope media coverage, particularly in English-language outlets, will encourage the town hall to return to the negotiating table in good faith. The council has not yet issued a detailed public response to the latest strike call.

This will be the first major municipal strike in Mijas in recent memory, coming after workers overwhelmingly backed the action (reportedly over 99 per cent in an internal assembly). Residents and users of council services are advised to check for possible disruptions on Thursday.