Justice Declares Inadmissible Dismissal of Veteran PSE-EE Worker
The Superior Court of Justice of the Basque Country has made headlines by declaring the dismissal of a long-standing employee of the Socialist Party of Euskadi-Euskadiko Ezkerra (PSE-EE-PSOE) inadmissible. The case centers on a worker who dedicated over thirty years to the organization, raising questions about labor rights and the rationale behind organizational changes.
Background of the Case
The affected employee, who held the role of administrative technician and documentary filmmaker, had been with the party’s Alava headquarters since 1991. The dismissal, announced on July 28, 2025, was explained by management as necessary due to an internal reorganization following provincial congress findings and an external audit. The audit suggested that the archiving responsibilities could be managed by another employee, thus declaring the position expendable.
This worker, whose career began with passing a public competition, had transitioned from an administrative role to become secretary to Txarli Prieto, the party’s general secretary. Her position entailed managing diverse tasks, including agendas and internal communications—a testament to her dedication and reliability.
The Dismissal: Justifications and Appeals
Management’s decision stemmed from a perceived need for organizational efficiency and financial optimization. After facing temporary disabilities between 2008 and 2011, the employee was previously dismissed on disciplinary grounds, only for that decision to be overturned, leading to her reinstatement.
Throughout her career, the worker advocated for improvements in working conditions, including options for teleworking and additional benefits. However, these requests met with consistent rejection from the party’s leadership.
As the new general secretary, Javier Hurtado, took office in March 2025, the external audit concluded that her role was unnecessary. Consequently, she was terminated, receiving compensation of 41,578.34 euros, in line with legal obligations.
Court Rulings and Implications
The legal journey commenced when the worker filed a lawsuit in Social Court No. 4 of Vitoria-Gasteiz. The court ruled in March 2026, deeming the dismissal unfair, allowing the party to either reinstate her or opt for compensation. However, the employee sought an annulment of the dismissal, claiming a violation of her fundamental rights.
After reviewing all arguments, the Superior Court of Justice found no indications of retaliation, age discrimination, or infringements on her rights. Ultimately, the court confirmed the inadmissibility of the dismissal while upholding compensation that now totals 68,431.18 euros.
Next Steps and Future Considerations
The judgment leaves the possibility for an appeal to the Supreme Court, which could further clarify labor rights and organizational responsibilities within political parties. The case highlights the importance of protecting employee rights and ensuring fair treatment, especially for long-serving staff who have significantly contributed to their organizations.
This ruling not only underscores the legal complexities involved in labor relations but also reflects the ongoing debate about organizational restructuring and employee rights in contemporary politics.