Canary Islands Employee Travel Benefits Clarification

Overview

The Canary Islands' Directorate General of Labour has officially registered and published a new agreement clarifying the rules around employee travel benefits for Fred Olsen ships.

The decision was made after a December 2025 meeting where union representatives and company officials debated the scope of free inter-island travel tickets provided by the company to its staff.

Historical Context

• These travel benefits traditionally only covered inter-island routes within the Canary Islands.
• Special provisions included routes for minor islands, retirees, and staff with disabilities.

Key Details of the New Agreement

• The agreement explicitly confirms that the free tickets apply exclusively to inter-island routes.
• Other lines, such as the newly added route to Huelva, are not covered.

"The clarification also defines that family members qualifying for travel benefits must be those with a close, affective relationship similar to marriage," as stated in the new guidelines.

Employee Reservation Modifications

• Employees who have reserved tickets for specific departure times can now modify their reservations.
• Modifications are allowed within the capacity constraints of the ships.
• To make changes, employees must visit the appropriate terminal office.

Summary

This update aims to provide transparency for workers and ensure that travel benefits are correctly applied.

It helps employees better understand their rights and the limitations associated with the fare benefits under the collective agreement.