Yolanda Díaz, serving as second vice president and acting Minister of Labor, represents a shift in how the government engages with small and medium-sized enterprises through social dialogue. The aim is to broaden the seats at the negotiation table where pivotal topics like upcoming labor reforms and pension changes are debated. During a visit to the Catalan employers’ association, Pimec, she emphasized that the representation office must align with current European legislation, signaling a step toward more inclusive participation in policy discussions.
Antoni Canete, the president of Pimec Conpymes, underscored the belief that true democratic progress will be visible only when SMEs are entrenched in decision making. He pointed out that small and medium-sized businesses have long sought a voice at the table on issues that directly affect them, including how wage policies should be calibrated. The current structure, dominated by a single national body, leaves many smaller firms without direct representation in state-level negotiations.
The present system places labor representation primarily with the CEOE, an organization traditionally aligned with the interests of larger corporations. Pimec Conpymes has been advocating for an alternative that unites smaller firms under one roof, arguing that their perspectives can and should shape national dialogue on economic and labor policy. The vice president did not specify timelines or the exact form of reforms that would broaden employer participation, yet she reaffirmed that SMEs require their own distinct viewpoint within social dialogue frameworks.
In recent months, the government has signaled openness toward expanding representative channels beyond the existing major association. For instance, close to the general election held on 23 July, ministers Raquel Sánchez and Héctor Gómez attended the closing ceremony of Pimec Conpymes’ general assembly. The Industry minister and the Transport minister both indicated the government’s recognition of social dialogue as a necessary tool for balanced policy making, while noting the importance of including a broader range of employer perspectives in the process. This approach aligns with a growing consensus that diverse voices strengthen policy outcomes for the operating environment of Spain’s small and medium enterprises and the workers they employ, as cited in discussions with multiple government ministries and business groups (Cited sources: Pimec Conpymes communications and ministerial statements).