Antonio Maíllo, the leader of United Left (IU), has expressed strong support for trade union mobilizations aimed at reducing the workweek. He emphasized that if an agreement with the CEOE (Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations) cannot be reached, the initiative should be driven forward through a pact with the unions.
Unai Sordo, the Secretary General of CCOO (Workers’ Commissions), has dismissed the “apocalyptic predictions” from the employer group regarding the potential impact of reduced working hours. He assured that “nothing drastic will happen” with a shortened workweek. Sordo said he hopes for a collaboration with the CEOE, but should that fail, they will push the government to support this initiative by gathering a parliamentary majority in Congress.
The two leaders spoke at a press conference in Madrid following their meeting, agreeing that reducing the workweek without salary cuts should be a priority for the current legislature. Maíllo commended the unions for considering mobilizations to shift the “closed” stance of the CEOE, confirming IU’s backing, as he believes that reducing working hours will expand workers’ rights.
Maíllo also criticized CEOE President Antonio Garamendi’s comments regarding Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz, suggesting that they reveal Garamendi’s confusion and impotence as he implicitly acknowledges the failures of “neoliberal policies.” He declared that the alarmist narratives from certain business sectors do not reflect reality and insisted that reducing working hours will benefit the economy and employment.
Sordo highlighted the unions’ desire for a tripartite agreement, yet noted the lack of negotiation willingness from the employer side at this time. He clarified that the unions are open to discussing all aspects of the proposal but first need to understand whether the CEOE is for or against the idea of reducing working hours.
He further criticized some of the CEOE’s statements, which he believes come off as “threats.” Sordo defended the government’s handling of economic policies, stating that they are effective even if Garamendi disagrees. He reassured that companies will continue to profit amidst reduced working hours, underlining the potential benefits of this reform.
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