“Work better, fewer hours and earn more.” The words of Camil Ros, general secretary of UGT de Catalunya, summarize the demands of the Catalan unions on May 1. “We have come to ask for full employment and a reduction in working hours,” completed Javier Pacheco, general secretary of CC.OO. of Catalonia, in the demonstration of workers’ representatives in Barcelona. Some 10,000 people have taken to the streets, according to the unions, a figure that the Urban Police lowers to 5,000. In both cases, last year’s figure is doubled.
The centers point out that in recent years they have achieved great progress in the protection of employees and their remuneration, such as the continued increase in the minimum wage. “We have an open path to guarantee labor and social justice,” said Pacheco, appealing to social dialogue. The unemployment figures, especially among youth, or the difficult access to housing show that battles remain. “Today there are more people than ever working, with more permanent contracts than ever. “We have recovered union power, but there is still much to do,” he said.
The main proposal that the unions put on the table is to reduce working hours. They see it as a tool to reach full employment. “In Catalonia, due to its competitive capacity, we have to reach full employment. It would guarantee decent and quality growth,” said Pacheco. To do this, he appeals to the challenge of reindustrializing the country.
The reform agenda, based on social dialogue, must continue. “The unionism of mobilization and social dialogue makes people have better conditions. This year we must continue. It is time for the reduction of working hours to be put into practice,” Ros claimed. On the horizon, the 37.5-hour work week. “But this is the path, not the goal,” he warned. Then would come the 35 hours and finally the 32 hours. Work 4 days a week: “They will tell us that it is impossible, but it was also impossible to raise the minimum wage when it was 600 euros.”
Artificial intelligence, more than a threat, is asked to be seen as a support. “We have to work better, in better conditions, so that AI helps and is not a tool for job destruction. The historical logic is that working hours are reduced,” Ros warned. “People have to charge more,” he reiterated. With an eye on Catalonia, there have been requests to establish the Catalan minimum wage, and for the Generalitat to work with it in public contracting. He has estimated it at around 1,400 euros.
Regarding the possible merger between BBVA and Sabadell, the unions have indicated that they will fight to maintain jobs and have criticized the operation, which they believe makes no sense in an environment of historical profits and with a bank that is It is far from a social function.
Beyond the labor field, the focus has been on access to housing, “impossible for young people” according to CC.OO. and in the need to value care, in a society that is heading towards aging.
Another of the points of the day was the Catalan and European elections. Both unions ask not to be enthralled by the promises of the extreme right and to bet on progressive proposals. “Determined left-wing and progressive policies are needed. Follow the reformist agenda,” Pacheco insisted. The elections are seen as a time to “defend democracy.”
The Barcelona demonstration traveled along via Laietana, ending in front of the Foment del Treball headquarters. Claims against precariousness, discrimination, female employment or the conditions of pensioners have been raised among attendees.
Among the attendees were members of the Catalan Executive, such as the president of the Generalitat, Pere Aragonès, the Minister of Business and Work, Roger Torrent, and Ester Capella, Minister of Territory. Also the candidates Salvador Illa (PSC), Jessica Albiach (Commons) and Junts representatives.
