37 channels in Spain are to be affected by a one-week strike by Prisa TV workers. The strike could also affect sport broadcasts, the rights of which are exclusively owned by Prisa. Roland Garros and the last day of the national football league will probably not be broadcast.
Prisa TV´s parent company recently announced that is going to take over the television subsidiary, and the employees are afraid that the new agreement will set the ground for future layoffs. "The company proposal makes the outsourcing of some services easier," explained the union Comisiones Obreras in a press release.
The company intends to reduce salaries due to the drop in profits during Q1 2013, which was especially large for Canal+. However, the union argues that this isn't a good enough reason as Canal+ made a €50 million profit in 2012.
But the parent company is clearly losing money. During 2012, €255 million losses were declared and Prisa announced a strong plan for saving money, which includes the efficient use and reduction of administration. However, "the board of directors has access to up to €28 million in bonuses in 2013," points out Comisiones Obreras.
The strike will be effective until Saturday 1 June and will affect channels including Canal+1, Canal+Liga, Canal+ Deporte, Sportmanía and Caza y Pesca.
