Union chiefs warned Thursday that a win for the centre‑right People’s Party (PP) and far‑right Vox could usher in “free and gratuitous” dismissals and cuts to social protections.
Thursday, November 7
General secretaries Unai Sordo of Comisiones Obreras (CC OO) and Pepe Álvarez of Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT) said their upcoming general strike on November 11 is not intended to sway the vote in Spain’s national election on November 29. They said the strike aims to shape the election campaign by foregrounding housing, wages and labour rights.
November 11
The unions plan a nationwide walkout to press those three issues. Both leaders said the demonstration will highlight what they consider the core concerns of workers and renters ahead of the election.
November 29
In a joint statement, Sordo and Álvarez warned that a victory for the PP and Vox would likely lead to a rollback of labour protections. They cited the possibility of legislation that would allow employers to dismiss employees without cause and a reduction in the country’s social safety net.
Current outlook
The unions remain focused on influencing policy debate rather than directly endorsing any party. Their warning underscores the stakes they see for workers if right‑wing parties assume power.
Why it matters: A shift toward PP‑Vox governance could alter employment law and social benefits in Spain, affecting labour markets and living standards across the country and potentially influencing regional economies, including those in the Middle East that trade with Spain.
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UAE
Spain
United Kingdom
United States
China
India