Labor inspectors’ union platform gathers almost all unions, excluding silent, sub-inspectors. They rejected the initial government proposal aimed at easing the dispute within the state agency. This is viewed as a patchwork by the center. The core issue between inspectors and the executive runs deep, fueled by ongoing disagreements among ministries and the tax and labor offices that answer to the authorities.
The Department of Labor convened inspectors at an extraordinary meeting last Thursday, accusing the Treasury of using socialist ministries such as Social Security and Justice for electoral gain. The move follows a failure to offer terms due to disputes with the Treasury. Political strain has now touched inspectors who had previously called for Yolanda Diaz to resign; they also challenge statements from María Jesús Montero.
The labor conflict has acquired a new dimension that makes it a political dispute, according to people at the center. They insist the issue is more than a budget matter since a confirmed funding envelope exists.
Six million for 786 new positions and bonuses
After Thursday’s tensions, the first offer emerged Friday morning, seen as unsatisfactory by the center. Union sources indicate the government is proposing 786 new posts over three years for a cadre that currently includes around 2,000 members.
On the ground, centers question the profile of these new positions. They are unsure whether the openings target active personnel such as inspectors or assistant inspectors or if they are technical and administrative roles. Some sources also suggest the increase in quotas reflects prior commitments from initial public offerings.
The inspectors’ platform also rejects the proposed six-million-euro budget line intended to reward productivity. The main call remains the establishment of a new job listing that would reorganize the state structure.
Partial cuts until July
In response, centers are not backing down. They are planning to raise mobilization and push for intensified schedules of action. A partial strike is planned through the end of June, while procedural steps are underway for filing complaints with the International Labour Organization, arguing that current inspection tools fail to ensure proper enforcement of labor laws.
The Inspection staff currently totals 2,051 personnel, including inspectors and assistant inspectors. This body is tasked with upholding the rights of the 20.6 million workers currently active in the economy. In practical terms, that means an inspector would oversee roughly 10,048 workers.