This Wednesday, October 15, there are union strikes called throughout the country and in all workplaces by different unions: Workers' Commissions and UGT have registered a call for two-hour partial strikes in each work shift and CGT, in turn, has called a 24-hour general strike at the national level.
This protest comes after months of continuous complaints from unions and mass protests throughout Spain. To give legal protection to participation, without possible reprisals or impediments in any workplace, the workers' confederations have called these strikes.
Officially there are two strike calls registered with the Ministry of Labor. On the one hand, on September 29, the majority unions registered the call for partial strikes and, on the other hand, the CGT union registered a call for a 24-hour strike on October 3.
The mobilizations continue despite the ceasefire that began last week in Gaza and the peace plan signed in Egypt by the United States, the host country, Qatar and Türkiye. The convening unions have issued statements justifying the decision. In the case of Workers Commissions and UGT, last Friday they pointed out that “no plan can be considered lasting peace if it excludes the Palestinian people, if it perpetuates the occupation or if it ignores United Nations resolutions.” For its part, the union CGT issued a statement this Monday in which he reaffirmed his call for Israel's violation of previous agreements as well as for not knowing whether this is a ceasefire agreement or a peace agreement: “It is a 'phase agreement' and at any time tensions can provoke more attacks.”
What is the objective of this strike?
The objective, the unions explain, is to show citizens' commitment to peace, justice and freedom for the Palestinian people. The unions maintain the mobilizations so that perspective on what is happening in Palestine is not lost. Especially after a ceasefire agreement that, they indicate, reproduces a colonial and apartheid system in Palestine and the Gaza Strip but without including the Palestinians. And, ultimately, so that this mobilization serves to push the different powers to ensure lasting peace.
Who can strike?
On this occasion, workers throughout the national territory and from all sectors are called to strike. It reaches all salaried people, from any sector or activity, whether public or private.
Is it necessary to be a member of a union to strike?
There's no need. The right to strike is a personal right and recognized by the Spanish Constitution, whether the worker is a member of a union or not. The official calls of the unions allow all workers to exercise it, whether in partial strikes or in the 24-hour general strike.
How long does this strike last?
In this case there are two possibilities. On the one hand, the UGT and CCOO unions have called for two-hour strikes for each work shift. If your intention is to participate in these partial strikes, the strike will take place between 2:00 and 4:00 in the morning, for the night shift, between 10:00 and 12:00 for the morning shift and from 17:00 to 19:00 in the afternoon shift. On the other hand, the CGT union has called a 24-hour strike day, which means that you can also exercise your right from 00:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on October 15.
Do I have to notify my company if I am going to participate in the strike?
No, it is not mandatory. Since the right to strike is a personal right and can be exercised voluntarily, it is made known when the strikes begin at the moment when work stops. If the company asks you, you have no obligation to answer.
What does it mean to stop working for two hours or for the entire working day during this strike?
Participating in a strike suspends the employment contract. The consequence is that the salary corresponding to the hours or days you miss from your job will be deducted from your payroll. This salary can include both the base salary and the corresponding supplements and even the proportional part of the extraordinary payments.
Can I receive retaliation?
The company cannot fire you or impose sanctions on you for going on strike.
Can I advertise the strike?
Yes, it is part of your right to strike. You can both advertise and raise funds for your organization.
What cases are not covered by the right to strike?
The exercise of the right to strike is framed in legislation and as such has a series of limits. It is not permitted to carry out violent acts or acts that threaten the physical or moral integrity of people.
Can my right to strike be limited?
Yes. The company can designate you to assume minimum services during the strike day and must notify you personally. This will occur as long as these minimum services have been established by the corresponding labor authority in the sectors considered essential.
What is a picket?
A picket is a group of strikers, usually unionized, who attempt to encourage a company's staff or the general population to support strikes and stoppages, as long as this is done without coercion. The picket must have an informative objective and is also responsible for carrying out the necessary tasks for the maintenance and effectiveness of the strike day.
What happens if your company does not allow you to participate in the strike?
If you consider that your right to strike is being violated, or that the company threatens or takes retaliation against one or more workers, the ideal is to record this by all possible means and communicate it to your union representatives. A common way is to ask that the company or your manager notify you in writing, which then allows you to go to the Labor Inspection or, where appropriate, to the courts.