In Madrid, the Central Independent Trade Union and Civil Servants, commonly known as CSIF, presented itself as the most representative voice for public administrations. The union framed this gathering as its first major demonstration against the current government. The objective was clear: to defend fair salary increases and oppose the broader erosion of living standards affecting citizens, with particular emphasis on the middle and working classes.
According to CSIF, the march was a powerful, spontaneous call to action, even as the Ministry of Finance and Public Function signaled that wage negotiations for public sector workers would begin within the framework of the upcoming General Government Budgets. Officials indicated that discussions would start the following Wednesday, but that did not deter the demonstrators. Buses organized by the union transported participants from across Spain, underscoring the nationwide concern over wages and public service funding.
The route of the march extended from Carrera de San Jerónimo to Plaza de Colón, just beside the Congress of Deputies. The event was open to all citizens and drew participants from both public and private sectors, reflecting a shared sense of urgency about stagnant purchasing power, rising living costs, and the need for robust public services. The demonstration highlighted a demand for fair wages, sustainable pensions, and high-quality public services that can meet the needs of society today and tomorrow.
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CSIF called for a timely update of public salaries that acknowledges the loss of purchasing power experienced this year. The union cited France as a parallel reference point and argued that a multi-year salary plan would help restore real incomes. The objective is a measurable improvement in purchasing power that mirrors or exceeds the rate of inflation, enabling workers to regain financial stability. The aim is a wage framework that reflects ongoing economic realities and supports a fair standard of living across the public sector.
Beyond pay, CSIF urged policymakers to implement effective measures that counter the steep rise in consumer prices. The focus was on protecting households from drastic shocks to essentials such as groceries, utilities, and energy costs. The union also stressed the importance of ensuring the financial and human resources necessary to deliver reliable, transparent, and objective discussions about the future of pensions and the broader welfare state.
These goals underscore a broader debate about public investment in essential services, the sustainability of pension systems, and the role of government in preserving social cohesion. The message from CSIF was that wage adjustments should be part of a comprehensive strategy that strengthens the public sector, safeguards the purchasing power of workers, and maintains a high standard of public services for every citizen. The union signaled a readiness to engage in constructive dialogue while insisting on concrete commitments that translate into real improvements for workers and retirees alike, backed by accountable governance and steady investment in social protections.
In summary, the demonstration articulated a clear stance: fair wages, protected pensions, and better public services are essential to counteract economic pressure and to ensure a dignified quality of life for all workers. The organizers asserted that these outcomes require coordinated action from government authorities, employers, and civil society to create a more resilient economy that benefits both the public and private sectors across the country. The call was for tangible progress, not rhetoric, supported by transparent planning and sustained investments in the public realm.