No cranes during the summer! The employers' federation calls a strike that could cause many problems

The peak season for road travel has begun, and that always brings added problems. The high number of vehicles on the roads increases the number of breakdowns, accidents and minor issues that can leave a car immobilised. And this year the problem is set to grow over the summer.

The National Association of Roadside Assistance Companies (AENAC), the employers’ federation of roadside assistance companies, has called several days of strike that could affect many motorists. These days have been scheduled so that the strike takes place on 29, 30, and 31 July and 1 August. Right at the turn of the month, with the end of the July holidays and the departure of those travelling in August. In addition, on 29 July, the first day of the strike, there will be a slow-moving tow truck protest in Madrid.

Precarious service

The reason for these strikes is the precarious situation the sector faces, with costs far higher than what it receives for its work. The rising price of fuel has made the situation even more serious and has led to the call for these mobilisations.

According to the employers’ federation, this situation means that the cost of each hour of work by a tow truck providing this service is soaring, and what they receive in return does not even cover their costs. In fact, the service they provide to insurers amounts to around €3.5 per hour worked, according to AENAC.

Added to this low price are the demands of the customers for whom they provide their service. Insurers, drivers’ clubs and assistance companies demand very short response times, which do not take into account the many variables that can hinder the normal running of the business. All of this penalises towing companies and makes the business unviable.

The employers’ federation has apologised in advance to drivers for the inconvenience this may cause for these reasons. A meeting has been called with the DGT, the employers’ federation of insurance companies and the Ministry of Economy to renegotiate the financial terms of this essential service. Will the tow truck strike go ahead? We hope they reach an agreement and that it can be avoided.