Two Spanish trade unions plan protest over labour law and pension changes

TWO of Spain’s largest trade unions have said they will demonstrate in Madrid next month against changes to labour laws and pensions.

The CCOO and UGT unions have said around 10,000 activists are expected to join the protest on February 8.

Union demands include a reversal to labour law changes which they claim have tipped the balance too far in favour of employers. Supporters of the reforms claim it helps to free up businesses so they can create jobs.

The unions also oppose changes to pension rules that state payments will be reassessed according to factors including life expectancy which came into force at the start of this year.

Unions claim the reform, brought in to keep the cost of pensions down, will result in payments being cut by an average of 5 per cent every year.

“It is essential that these labour changes are repealed once and for all,” the unions said.

The CCOO and UGT have also called for the government to guarantee that Spain’s welfare state be properly funded to make it sustainable and allow it to improve.