Spain’s Workers’ Commissions rally for wage protection and rapid collective bargaining
Unai Sordo, general secretary of the Workers’ Commissions, emphasized the importance of social dialogue as a shield for workers’ rights amid inflation and fiscal irregularities. He urged swift signing of 1300 collective agreements to secure wage increases ranging from 10.3% to 13.7%, aiming to safeguard the incomes of approximately 20 million people in Spain. Delegates from across the provinces gathered to voice support for stronger protections against tax evasion and the informal economy, including penalties when violations are detected.
The forum, hosted at the Elche Convention Center, served as a barometer for the union’s performance and its plans for the remainder of the year. Sordo highlighted the union’s resolve in facing a string of crises and unprecedented price surges over recent decades, noting that, unlike in past moments, there was broad consensus on measures to protect wages across the country. The union reported a pension revaluation of 8.5% and a premium increase affecting about 10 million people, with interprofessional minimum wages projected to rise by around 8% for two million workers.
Approximately 400 delegates attended the event at the Elche Congress Center, where the tone remained focused on immediate action. Yet, Comisiones Obreras stressed that the working class has endured significant wage erosion and must be prioritized through rapid collective bargaining. The union indicated it would reassess these commitments within the framework of the Labor and Collective Bargaining Agreement signed with employers.
Food inflation in Alicante provided a partial relief but remained near 13%, underscoring the urgency of wage protections. Sordo argued that the crisis can be addressed by alternative means, stressing that wages should not be eroded and that layoffs must be avoided. He pointed to reforms that would gradually increase indefinite-term contracts and push the interprofessional minimum wage higher, projecting a strong contribution growth to Social Security in the coming months while acknowledging that unemployment remains unacceptably high at around 12 percent and requires continued action.
Leaders of employers’ associations and unions agreed that a durable wage settlement could bolster the country’s economic recovery. In this light, the discussion also touched on broader concerns about labor market health and the need for responsible business practices that protect workers while supporting sustainable growth.
In the region, attention turned to a broader critique of employment practices. The unions argued that unchecked tax fraud and questionable contracting practices are detrimental to the economy and workers alike. They called for enhanced enforcement and penalties to deter exploitation, urging the use of data analytics to uncover hidden costs and ensure accurate invoicing and VAT compliance. The Labor Inspection Board was urged to scrutinize business practices more rigorously and to mobilize resources that illuminate where money is truly being spent and where it may be misallocated. The emphasis was on a transparent cost structure and a vigilant approach to curbing illegal activity that harms fair competition and decent work.
Regional discussions also highlighted the Valencia community’s accomplishments in labor and social policy. The Reactiva Plan was cited as a tool to expand public transport subsidies for vulnerable households, while the Valencia Participation Income was noted as a measure supporting social inclusion. Ana García Alcolea, secretary general of the Valencia CC OO, urged the adoption of reforms that would modernize the region’s production model to create decent, sustainable jobs. Delegates were encouraged to participate in elections on May 28 and to defend workers’ rights, with an emphasis on improving public services and ensuring that regional funding translates into higher-quality resources for communities and workers alike.
Overall, the gathering underscored a shared commitment to advancing wages, protecting livelihoods, and strengthening public and social protections, even as the economy faces ongoing challenges. The dialogue pointed toward concrete actions that could stabilize incomes, broaden coverage, and reinforce the social safety net for working families across Spain. This stance reflects a broader international trend toward ensuring fair compensation in the face of inflation and economic shifts, with implications for labor policy in comparable economies.