Will Bluefin Companies Have To Pay The Price Of Inspectors Strike?

The ongoing Spanish fisheries inspectors strike is gradually taking a toll on the bluefin industry, according to experts. A Balfegó executive said that the protest is generating economic losses of tens of thousands of euros for the company. The inspectors are in charge of monitoring the fishing regulations in the industry, including validating catch documents, issuing certifications for the slaughtered fish, and registering them on platforms for export. The Balfegó executive warned that if the indefinite protest continues for longer, it could be “extremely dangerous”, especially with the upcoming bluefin catching season in May. It could eventually lead to a loss of millions of euros for the company, reported Spanish news sites.

The inspectors’ strike began on March 3 with the workers demanding better salaries and more security in accordance with their functions and risks. A statement from the Workers’ Commission CCOO read that bluefin operators have already complained about their work going at a snail’s pace (due to the strike) and if this continues, the upcoming bluefin campaign (Almadrabas) would be affected.