A joint inspection at a restaurant in Cala Millor uncovered three illegal workers and another twelve working thirteen hours a day. The establishment was immediately closed due to serious health deficiencies.
Agents from the National Police of Immigration in Manacor, along with inspectors from Labour, Health, and Housing of the Balearic Government, raided a restaurant in Cala Millor, in Sant Llorenç d’es Cardassar, on July 23, after receiving information from the Local Police about possible labour exploitation. The operation, which had the support of uniformed units, revealed an extremely precarious situation for the employees, during the peak tourist season.
Of the fifteen workers found at the establishment, three lacked residence and work permits in Spain, leading to expulsion proceedings against them. The other twelve were registered for part-time work, but in reality, they worked thirteen hours a day, seven days a week, according to the Labour Inspection, which issued reports proposing sanctions for these irregularities.
Health inspectors found that the establishment did not respect the cold chain, mixed raw and cooked foods without separation, and the workers handled food without the minimum hygiene measures. The rooms where the employees slept were adjacent to the kitchen and storage areas, lacking ventilation, without their own bathrooms, and had a strong smell of food. Nine shared rooms were deemed uninhabitable by the Housing inspectors, who will also process sanctions.
Due to the health deficiencies, an immediate closure of the restaurant was ordered. The company has ten days to rectify the issues and reopen, although administrative sanctions will be processed independently. The Local Police of Sant Llorenç also issued reports for documentary and licensing deficiencies.
Investigators from the Immigration Group do not rule out that the events may constitute a crime against workers' rights, and investigations continue to determine the criminal responsibility of the business owners. This action is part of a campaign of inspections in restaurants and establishments on the island over the coming weeks, aimed at detecting more cases of irregular hiring and labour exploitation, especially during the high season.
The collaboration between the National Police, Labour Inspection, Health, Housing, and the Local Police has been key to dismantling this situation. Authorities remind that labour exploitation not only violates workers' rights but also constitutes unfair competition for establishments that comply with the law. Residents of Cala Millor and tourists can rest assured, as the inspection has eliminated a source of unsanitary conditions in the area.
Agents continue with investigations, and new actions in other establishments in the Llevant region are not ruled out. The operation demonstrates the commitment of institutions in the fight against labour exploitation and the defence of the rights of the most vulnerable workers.
