Unions are stepping up their pressure to bring the government into the heart of the industrial policy conversation. They see the arrival of Next Generation EU funds as a powerful lever that will channel substantial resources into the industry, accelerating the transformation of many companies. Yet they feel excluded from shaping the public policies that will frame this transition through PERTE. There is concern that the unions will have to manage the collateral fallout, including potential layoffs and shifts in operating conditions, as the reforms unfold. A spokesperson for the industry division of CCOO, Garbine Mirror, framed the situation plainly: there is no coherent industrial policy in the country, only a string of temporary programs and resources for companies. This sense of fragility in policy design fuels the unions’ demand for a steadier, more integrated approach to industrial strategy.
The ongoing shift from internal combustion engines to electric propulsion is just one of several major transitions currently reshaping the industry sector. While the long-term outlook promises a more dynamic and sustainable future for manufacturers and their suppliers, the short-term impact is tangible for many workers. Seat, Spain’s emblematic automotive brand, has estimated a need to reduce its workforce at the Martorell plant by about 3,000 employees, from a total of 15,000, as it aligns with the new model lineup. This kind of recalibration underscores a broader concern: the rapid pace of digital and green transformations can leave the lowest-paid workers particularly vulnerable to job loss. Javier Pacheco, the secretary general of the CCOO in Catalonia, highlighted the uncertainty facing the country’s working class and stressed the near-term risks that accompany these sweeping changes.
In response, CCOO organized a demonstration this Tuesday in front of the Government delegation in Barcelona, aiming to inform policy makers and press for greater alignment between industrial policy and the realities on the shop floor. The assembly also signaled a push to open a constructive dialogue with the Ministry of Industry to pave the way for more coordinated action across sectors. Espejo, a union representative, urged policymakers to adopt a forward-looking stance and warned against continuing with reactive governance. The unions are pursuing a broad engagement strategy, planning to maintain conversations with multiple political groups with the aim of building a stable consensus in Madrid and in Congress in the weeks ahead. The goal is to shape a shared path that can support workers through the digital and environmental transition while preserving community stability and industrial competitiveness. This trend is evidenced by parallel meetings in diverse regions, reflecting a nationwide effort to align labor, industry, and policy priorities as the 21 June discussions in Madrid approach.
From the unions’ perspective, the core challenge is balancing immediate protection for workers with the long-term benefits of modernization. They argue that a credible industrial policy should go beyond isolated, time-limited funds and should establish predictable instruments that guide training, relocation assistance, and career transition opportunities for those affected by change. By seeking a more coordinated framework, the unions aim to reduce the anxiety felt on the shop floor and to prevent a wave of layoffs that could undermine social cohesion. The debate also centers on the distribution of incentives and the design of PERTE programs to ensure that investments translate into stable employment and real, local value creation. As industry leaders prepare for the next phase of reform, the unions emphasize the need for transparent, inclusive deliberation that respects the voices of workers who will bear the consequences of strategic shifts. They insist that policy choices must be paired with robust social dialogue and concrete guarantees for workers in communities facing structural change. The overarching message remains clear: a sound industrial policy requires steady coordination, clear objectives, and a readiness to adapt as the transformation unfolds, safeguarding livelihoods while driving competitiveness. The unfolding conversations signal a pivotal moment for Spain’s industrial landscape, with implications that reach from the production lines to the policy chambers in Madrid.