Javier Pacheco, the confederal secretary of Trade Union Action and Energy Transitions at CCOO, has called on employers to reopen negotiations for the AENC (National Agreement for Collective Bargaining). He highlighted the urgent need to address the demands raised during the significant mobilisations on 11 November, advocating for substantial salary increases to unlock collective bargaining in Spain, which he described as a primary resource for Spanish society.
The general strike on 11 November has brought to light a social reality that cannot be sustained over time. Pacheco emphasised the necessity for the political agenda ahead of the upcoming general elections on 29 November to address the crisis in income distribution affecting millions of people in the country. He stated, “Governments must adopt firmer policies to control rising prices.”
While measures implemented to alleviate the energy price crisis have contained inflation growth, they have not been sufficient to mitigate price increases. Pacheco further noted that “policies aimed at addressing exorbitant housing prices require a decisive commitment from all administrations, including central, regional, and local levels, as has been highlighted in all mobilisations leading to the general strike.”
CCOO also raised concerns about the criteria used to calculate the Consumer Price Index (CPI), arguing that it excludes essential consumer goods such as housing. Pacheco explained, “The criteria do not consider purchase prices, which have surged over 12% this year, and the methodology used to assess rental impacts does not account for new contracts, which reflect the most significant price increases, with a rise of 23%.”
The union is demanding that the government amend the criteria for calculating the basket of goods and services in the CPI to adequately reflect the impact of housing prices. This adjustment, they argue, will provide a clearer picture of the true cost of living and enable appropriate adjustments to salary criteria, ultimately addressing the insufficient income levels of the working class and ensuring they can afford the essentials for a dignified life.
