The CCOO and UGT unions called a demonstration in Girona for May Day that gathered approximately fifty people according to the City Council. The march started from the Independence Square and went down Jaume I street until it reached the Vi Square, where the institutional speeches took place.
Central Claims and Union Positioning
The main slogan of the mobilization was against wars and fascism, more rights and more unionism. Maxi Rica, general secretary of UGT in the Girona regions, underlined the current labor precariousness and the disconnection between salaries and cost of living. Diana Estudillo, general secretary of CCOO in Girona, reinforced the political and social message along with her union colleagues. Participants demanded strengthening collective bargaining, recovering purchasing power, reducing working hours, and guaranteeing access to housing. Clear limits were also proposed for the use of new technologies to avoid massive layoffs, and the stigmatization of absenteeism was rejected.
"Having a job today does not guarantee a dignified life" - Maxi Rica, UGT
"We say no to wars or imperialist adventures" - Diana Estudillo, CCOO
Voices of workers and local conflicts
The claims had direct support from those who live the daily work reality. A transporter recalled his routine of twelve hours daily and asked to anticipate retirement at sixty years as a necessary compensation. Another participant pointed out that the rising cost of living contrasts with stagnant wages and advocated for equating pay scales to the real standard of living. In the healthcare sector, a nurse denounced the accumulated deficiencies due to lack of public funding. Organizational difficulties in mobilizing citizens were also recognized, and it was urged to dispel myths about the union's function.
"An underfunding that causes us healthcare workers to have shortages that accumulate year after year" - Núria Paradeda, CCOO Sanitat
The protest also served to make concrete problems in companies in the province visible. Workers from Nestlé and Domo attended with signs to denounce their respective labor situations. From the unions, cases such as Girona+Neta, affected by complications in negotiations, and Domo de Blanes, currently in a bankruptcy proceeding, were mentioned. It was demanded that business profits be redistributed and that digital platforms benefit society as a whole without cutting staff.
Parallel congress in Central Park
At twelve noon, an alternative rally was held in Girona's Central Park. This event was organized by CGT, IAC, and COS and maintained a critical discourse on the general economic situation. The organizers pointed out that the living conditions of the working class are worsening while companies register historic profitability highs. From IAC, a minimum wage that ensures a dignified existence and adequate pensions was demanded. The COS union insisted on the need for greater organization and unity to reduce working hours and increase leisure time.
The day concluded without incidents on the main thoroughfares of the city. The various trade union organizations registered their demands with the institutions and employers' associations. The debate on wealth distribution and job protection will continue to mark the labor agenda in the coming months.