Representatives from Alicante’s trade unions and leaders from the Occupational Health sector within the Diocese of Orihuela-Alicante gathered in Elche to discuss the urgent issues facing workers. The goal was to engage in dialogue and build bridges that can lead to real improvements for people on the job, especially concerning precarious conditions that impact health and safety in the workplace. This concern was highlighted by Jesús Fernández-Pacheco, who directs Pastoral Work for the diocese, emphasizing that the tone of the conversation focused on concrete actions to safeguard workers’ lives.
The gathering brought together the general secretaries of the Workers’ Commissions (CCOO) and the General Union of Workers (UGT), along with officials responsible for Occupational Health. The session also included the director of Pastoral del Trabajo and representatives from the movements that form part of it, such as Hermandad Obrera de Acción Católica (HOAC), the Young People in charge of Christian Workers (JOC), and Cáritas Diocesana Recruitment. The mix of union leadership and diocesan social action organizations underscored a shared commitment to addressing workplace realities from both labor and faith perspectives.
During the meeting, the attendees acknowledged that the concerns about job insecurity voiced by the Diocese resonated across the region. There was a common worry about a rise in alarming work-related accidents and fatalities within the Valencian Community. Jesús Fernández stressed that these incidents are not isolated events. Rather, they reflect a broader failure to pursue decent, dignified employment that respects the fundamental value of human life. He noted that achieving such dignity in work should be a central objective for both labor groups and church institutions alike.
Addressing the broader implications, Fernández argued that making workplace deaths visible is not only a matter of remembrance but also a call to action. He suggested that visibility, awareness, and accountability must be integral to the effort of protecting workers as enterprises develop and adapt in a changing economic landscape. The diocese’s leadership, he explained, remains committed to partnering with unions and social action groups to advocate for safer workplaces and stronger protections for employees across industries.
The sessions in Alicante were framed as a joint effort to accompany families affected by occupational accidents and to explore practical pathways that can reduce risk and prevent future tragedies. Participants discussed the need for clearer reporting mechanisms, better health surveillance, and stronger safety protocols at workplaces. By collaborating across secular and faith-based initiatives, the meeting aimed to create a more responsive support network for workers and their families, while also encouraging employers to adopt higher standards of safety and dignity in their hiring and management practices.
Ultimately, the dialogue sought to translate concern into concrete steps. The unions and diocesan representatives agreed to continue the collaboration, sharing information, resources, and strategies that bolster prevention, rapid response, and long-term safety planning. In doing so, they reinforced a shared conviction: life is the most valuable asset workers have, and safeguarding it should be a central priority in any economic system. The gathering closed with a mutual pledge to keep the conversation active and to pursue initiatives that align labor rights with ethical workplace conduct, aiming for measurable improvements in Valencia’s job landscape. The collaboration also signaled a broader commitment to stand with affected families, offering guidance and support as part of a sustained effort to reduce workplace harm and promote a culture of care across communities.