Catalonia has launched a large-scale union campaign that could shift the balance of power in the labor market and impact thousands of families. Amid rising living costs and instability in the housing sector, CC OO is putting forward demands that could shape the region’s economic landscape. As El Pais reports, unions are targeting not only wage increases but also tighter price controls and the protection of social rights.
Three main issues take center stage: wages, housing affordability, and political risks linked to the rise of right-wing forces. The leadership of CC OO Catalonia, having gathered around 2,000 delegates, has called for urgent talks with employers and authorities. They argue that current income levels are insufficient for most workers to keep up with rising expenses, and the housing market situation is only heightening social tensions.
Wages and inflation
Unions are demanding that employers revise collective agreements to account for the loss in purchasing power. According to CC OO representatives, despite a record number of people employed, real incomes have stagnated as inflation continues to put pressure on household budgets. One proposed solution is the creation of an independent watchdog under the Catalan government to track price trends and identify the causes behind price increases.
The head of CC OO Catalonia emphasizes that workers should not, once again, bear the main burden of external crises such as the Middle East conflict. The union insists that the consequences of economic shocks should not fall solely on the shoulders of employees. In addition, CC OO proposes introducing a negative income tax, which would allow families to receive up to 300 euros to offset expenses.
Housing and social policy
Access to housing has become one of the most pressing topics of discussion. Over the past year, according to El Pais, rental prices have risen by 12%, making housing unaffordable for many families. Unions are calling on authorities and businesses to work together to control prices and curb speculation in the real estate market. Particular attention is being paid to the issue of vacant apartments and the increase in tourist rentals, which is worsening the shortage of affordable housing for local residents.
The meeting also addressed the impact of privatization and reductions in social spending. CC OO’s leadership believes that tax benefits primarily go to wealthy groups, and that targeted measures are needed to truly support those in need. As an example, they cite the idea of introducing direct financial assistance for low-income families.
Immigration and new laws
Another important topic was the recent legalization of foreign workers, previously reported by russpain.com in the article on new opportunities for foreigners in Spain. According to trade unions, this decision will help reduce migrants’ vulnerability and strengthen their position in the labor market. At the same time, CC OO representatives emphasize that strikes in migration services will not affect the legalization process, and that the spread of false information on social media only hinders the integration of new citizens.
Delegations from Italy, France, and Brazil took part in the discussion, expressing their support for their Spanish colleagues in the fight against the rise of right-wing movements. In their view, only by uniting efforts and developing progressive platforms like Global Progressive Mobilisation can the threats to social justice and democracy be effectively addressed.
International context
In the coming days, Barcelona will host a congress dedicated to the protection of democracy and social justice, where trade union leaders, politicians, and heads of state will speak. Attendees include Pedro Sánchez, Lula da Silva, Gustavo Petro, and other prominent figures. The forum is expected to address not only Spain’s domestic challenges but also global issues related to growing inequality and threats to labor rights.
In recent years, Spain has seen repeated campaigns for higher wages and better working conditions. For example, in 2024, large-scale protests by healthcare workers led to the revision of several contracts and increased funding for the sector. Similar demands were made in education, where unions secured higher pay rates and reduced workloads. These events demonstrate that pressure from labor groups can lead to real changes in the country’s social policies.
