Labor Unions Demand Reduction of Work Hours on May Day
Union leaders call for a 37.5-hour workweek, citing failure to pass proposed legislation as a potential legal fraud.
On May 1, 2025, major labor unions in Spain, CCOO and UGT, led by their general secretaries Unai Sordo and Pepe Álvarez, have called for the reduction of the workweek to 37.5 hours.
They argue that not advancing this agreement, which has been reached between the government and social organizations, would constitute 'fraud of law.' This statement was made during a demonstration in Madrid celebrating International Workers' Day.
Both leaders emphasized the necessity for Spain to consolidate this reduction in working hours, labeling it a 'TIMO A LA DEMOCRACIA' if political groups prevent discussion of this measure in Congress.
They criticized the Madrid city council for allegedly imposing obstacles to the march, which led to disruptions at the beginning of the concentration.
As the demonstration commenced on Gran Vía, participants attempted to obstruct the street, although they were met with resistance.
Subsequently, law enforcement cut off sections of the route as protestors made their way towards Plaza España.
Pepe Álvarez remarked that the call for reduced working hours should not be viewed as a mere political game, urging opposing political factions to present their arguments in Congress against the reduction.
He asserted that there is sufficient scope for reducing working hours without decreasing salaries, citing recent enterprise profits as evidence.
Álvarez criticized the business community for opposing the reduction, indicating that while corporate profits are surging, workers’ wage increases are only just surpassing inflation.
In addition to advocating for work hour reductions, union leaders aimed to highlight the urgency of reopening social dialogue to reform dismissal practices in Spain.
They stressed that 'the solution to crises cannot be firing employees' and proposed a target of achieving full employment within five years.
On this May Day, CCOO and UGT emphasized the event’s heightened global significance, urging demonstrators to reject the 'international of hate' that seeks to undermine European citizens’ rights.
Álvarez expressed concerns about ongoing challenges to gender equality and warned that civil liberties are at stake.
Sordo articulated the theme of this year’s demonstration as the need to 'consolidate and protect' rights acquired over decades and to defend both workers' rights and the welfare state.
The demonstration reportedly attracted approximately 12,000 attendees, according to government estimates.
They argue that not advancing this agreement, which has been reached between the government and social organizations, would constitute 'fraud of law.' This statement was made during a demonstration in Madrid celebrating International Workers' Day.
Both leaders emphasized the necessity for Spain to consolidate this reduction in working hours, labeling it a 'TIMO A LA DEMOCRACIA' if political groups prevent discussion of this measure in Congress.
They criticized the Madrid city council for allegedly imposing obstacles to the march, which led to disruptions at the beginning of the concentration.
As the demonstration commenced on Gran Vía, participants attempted to obstruct the street, although they were met with resistance.
Subsequently, law enforcement cut off sections of the route as protestors made their way towards Plaza España.
Pepe Álvarez remarked that the call for reduced working hours should not be viewed as a mere political game, urging opposing political factions to present their arguments in Congress against the reduction.
He asserted that there is sufficient scope for reducing working hours without decreasing salaries, citing recent enterprise profits as evidence.
Álvarez criticized the business community for opposing the reduction, indicating that while corporate profits are surging, workers’ wage increases are only just surpassing inflation.
In addition to advocating for work hour reductions, union leaders aimed to highlight the urgency of reopening social dialogue to reform dismissal practices in Spain.
They stressed that 'the solution to crises cannot be firing employees' and proposed a target of achieving full employment within five years.
On this May Day, CCOO and UGT emphasized the event’s heightened global significance, urging demonstrators to reject the 'international of hate' that seeks to undermine European citizens’ rights.
Álvarez expressed concerns about ongoing challenges to gender equality and warned that civil liberties are at stake.
Sordo articulated the theme of this year’s demonstration as the need to 'consolidate and protect' rights acquired over decades and to defend both workers' rights and the welfare state.
The demonstration reportedly attracted approximately 12,000 attendees, according to government estimates.
Translation:
Translated by AI
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
