Actualizado
In a bold display of unity and determination, Unai Sordo and Pepe Álvarez , the general secretaries of CCOO and UGT , respectively, have planned a protest that takes an unconventional approach—spending the night in the San Carlos Borromeo church in Madrid. This action is in response to the firm rejection of their demands for a reduced workweek by the political group Junts .
During a recent meeting, leaders from both unions expressed their frustration, stating that achieving a shortened work week appears almost impossible in the current political climate. One syndicate executive, reflecting the sentiment among union leadership, remarked, “We need a miracle.” This desperate plea underscores the urgency of their fight for workers’ rights amidst ongoing political roadblocks.
In a strategic move to amplify their message, CCOO and UGT held discussions with various social organizations this Tuesday morning. Utilizing the church setting as a place of refuge, they sought solidarity while they deliberate on further actions to intensify their advocacy for a reduced workweek.
Initially, Sordo and Álvarez plan to remain inside the church with their members for the night. However, their plans also include traveling to Barcelona , where they intend to stage a protest outside the headquarters of Foment del Treball , the Catalan employers’ association. The union leaders aim to return to Madrid by the afternoon and gather outside the Congress of Deputies as parliamentary amendments regarding the workweek are being voted on.
Speaking to the media outside the church, Sordo accused the parties PP , Vox , and Junts of adopting an “ anti-democratic ” stance by attempting to bypass the essential discussions regarding the workweek. He added that these right-leaning factions are conspiring to “hinder the working class,” drawing attention to the growing tension between labor unions and political parties.
Álvarez, complementing Sordo’s sentiments, condemned the “ cynicism ” of employers who have shunned negotiations on reducing the workweek. He appealed to citizens to rise in support of their cause, emphasizing that a significant 83% of the public favors a reduction in working hours. “ The Catalan deputies must not overlook this demand, ” he declared passionately.
As a show of solidarity, demonstrators throughout Spain are called to take to the streets, following the union leaders’ declarations regarding the proposed legislation . They emphasize the necessity of a renewed processing method for the legislation, making it clear that the dialogue surrounding the topic must continue to ensure that political representatives cannot sidestep the issue.
Junts’ Rejection
Concurrently, Miriam Nogueras , the spokesperson for Junts in Congress, reiterated her party’s disapproval of the proposed law aimed at reducing working hours. She justified their stance by arguing that such a measure would be detrimental to small businesses, freelancers, and could compromise the welfare state.
According to Nogueras, the government was fully aware of Junts’ position from the outset, and therefore, she contended that any anticipated defeat in Wednesday’s voting should not be attributed to her party. “ Our opposition is not against reducing hours but against impoverishing workers and the middle class in Catalonia,” she asserted, delineating the complexities of the economic landscape that must be addressed.
Emphasizing the ineffectiveness of merely reducing hours without tackling broader economic issues, Nogueras stated, “ Reducing hours does not cover mortgages, rents, or utility bills. ” She cautioned against the potential erosion of a culture of effort, warning that superficial reforms could lead to greater economic insecurity for many households.
Overall, the unions’ nightlong commitment inside the church represents not just a protest , but a larger struggle for workers’ rights in Spain, as political maneuverings pose challenges to significant legislative reforms. As the backdrop of public support becomes evident, the clash between labor demands and political resistance promises to shape Spain’s workers’ landscape for the foreseeable future.