In Hegoalde, the most representative unions celebrated the day separately again this year. In Iparralde, on the other hand, the main unions have called for a joint demonstration.
Thousands of workers have gathered again in the streets of Euskal Herria to commemorate May Day and make their demands heard. In Ipar Euskal Herria, the trade unions CFDT, CGT, FSU, LAB, UNSA and Solidaires have joined forces in Baiona, under the motto “It is not a fatal accident. For the distribution of goods!”, while in Hego Euskal Herria the four main unions have organized separate demonstrations in three major blocs; CC only. OO. and UGT have coordinated to make joint calls in the four capitals. ELA has taken to the streets in both Bilbao and Pamplona, while LAB has done so exclusively in the capital of Navarra, with a special appeal for its 50th anniversary.
On the other hand, Steilas has called for demonstrations in Errenteria, Bilbao, Pamplona and Vitoria-Gasteiz, while EHKS has mobilized its supporters in the capital of Biscay.
ELA: political, social and trade union confrontation
The ELA union has mobilized in both Bilbao and Pamplona. At the demonstration in Bizkaia, ELA general secretary Mitxel Lakuntza questioned the future Lehendakari and asked for more opposition to the left: “The social and labor conflicts are still open. A change of course is necessary, partly because “We need a different way of doing politics.”
He has denounced that the employers’ organization Confebask denies the insecurity faced by one in two workers, “an insecurity that particularly affects women and migrants.” Likewise, he has appreciated the results of working-class mobilization: “There is one fact that employers and the government do not like: the more strikes, the better the results.”
LAB: an economic and social model that puts life first
In Pamplona, just before the mobilization began, the general secretary of LAB, Garbiñe Aranburu, framed today’s demonstration in the context of the 50th anniversary of her union, pointing out that it is a day of demands, but also of ‘ celebrations and be with our community.” Furthermore, Aranburu has denounced the increase in social disparities caused by imperialism and capitalism. Therefore, he has urged the search for alternatives that prioritize care, employment and the fair distribution of goods.
In this sense, it has proposed a transition towards a life-centred system, ‘from an eco-social and feminist perspective’, underscoring the need for new legal and political frameworks and the exercise of counter-power to move from autonomy to sovereignty.
DC. OO. and UGT: for employment, fewer working hours and better salaries
DC. OO. and UGT are the only Hegoalde unions that have jointly called for taking to the streets; They did it in the four capitals. In Bilbao, the general secretary of CO. OO., Loli García, wanted to appreciate the legitimacy and democratic stability of the institutions “in the face of this slum climate that the right and the far right want to bring us.” Faced with this, he has asserted that it is necessary to fight for social issues, “for full employment, better salaries and better working hours,” and to strengthen and expand public services and achieve a comprehensive pact for healthcare, “ because in this way only true equality will be achieved.”
For his part, the general secretary of UGT Euskadi, Raúl Arza, has emphasized the need to shorten the working day, “a day introduced since 1919”, to improve reconciliation. In view of this, he stressed that there is still work to be done, that a way must be found to “reduce temporary employment, put an end to the wage gap and youth unemployment…”. Likewise, he has questioned the Basque government, reminding it that it cannot turn a deaf ear to the workers’ claims, “and we hope that the new executive changes its attitude.” In this sense, he has warned that they will continue to use the strike “if we have no choice, because it is the only tool we have to defend our rights.”
Interunion in Baiona
In Iparralde, five unions held a joint demonstration in Baiona. The trade unions CFDT, CGT, FSU, LAB, UNSA and Solidaires have mobilized and demanded, among other things, measures for the distribution of goods and the strengthening of public services.
Political representation
As usual, numerous left-wing political figures took part in the demonstrations. A large representation of the PSE-EE led by Eneko Andueza and Patxi López has been mobilized in Bilbao, as well as the representatives of Sumar Jon Hernández and Alba García, among others.
Once again, EH Bildu has accompanied all the unions and is represented in the main mobilizations convened, “because the work that can be done from the institutions inevitably needs the impetus of mobilization on the streets.”
Soon more information.
Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
