CC.OO. and UGT urge government action to prevent layoffs and salary reductions in firms receiving public aid.
In Barcelona, the trade unions CC.OO. and UGT have made an urgent appeal to the Catalan government, urging that companies benefiting from public assistance in response to tariffs imposed by the U.S. government under former President
Donald Trump should not proceed with layoffs or pay cuts.
This request was communicated during a meeting with the President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, alongside leaders from business associations.
Following the discussions within the framework of the Diàleg Social, President Illa expressed concerns about the economy entering a new era, highlighting the significant challenges ahead.
The Generalitat, despite currently lacking a budget for 2023, plans to reallocate funds to mobilize approximately €1.5 billion to mitigate the adverse effects of these tariffs.
Although the U.S. market accounts for less than 5% of Catalonia's exports, the tariff issue directly impacts one in six companies engaged in international sales.
In parallel, business associations have called for a 'single window' system to streamline administrative processes and eliminate potential bureaucratic delays in accessing the aid.
Key attendees at the meeting included Foment president Josep Sánchez-Llibre, Pimec president Antoni Cañete, Secretary General of CC.OO. Javier Pacheco, and UGT leader Camil Ros.
Representing the government were Economy Minister Alicia Romero and Business Minister Miquel Sàmper.
The President of the General Council of Chambers of Catalonia and the Barcelona Chamber, Josep Santacreu, expressed gratitude for the quick response from the Generalitat to the U.S. tariffs levied against the European Union.
Both business leaders and union representatives have acknowledged the prompt action taken by the Catalan government to address these economic challenges.