Occupation begins ahead of general strike

Around 100 activists from housing movements and the anarcho-syndicalist union CGT occupied the headquarters of Foment del Treball in Barcelona on Monday 9th November at approximately 4:30 PM. The action, which began at around 4:00 PM local time, is part of escalating preparations for a general strike scheduled for Wednesday 11th November. The CGT stated the occupation will continue indefinitely until Foment del Treball, the Catalan employers' federation, agrees to negotiate on collective agreements.

Demands focus on inflation and housing costs

The activists are demanding the widespread introduction of salary guarantee clauses tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), to prevent wages from losing purchasing power amid ongoing inflation. They also called for the creation of specific supplements to help workers offset the high cost of housing in the city. These demands are framed as essential measures to address the rising cost of living in Barcelona.

The occupation will be maintained indefinitely until the employers agree to negotiate

The CGT described the move as a necessary step to break the deadlock in negotiations over several sectoral collective agreements, which they say have been stalled by employer inaction.

Employers reject strike as political

Foment del Treball has previously characterised the upcoming general strike as political rather than labour-related. In statements published on its website, the organisation has argued that the strike is not grounded in workplace interests and does not comply with legal requirements for formal strike notices. The federation has also filed a legal challenge with the High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) seeking to declare the 11th November strike illegal and to implement precautionary measures to halt it. Further updates are expected as the situation develops ahead of the general strike.

What it means for you

  • When: Monday 9th November at approximately 16:30.
  • Where: The headquarters of Foment del Treball in Barcelona.
  • What to do: Download the METRÓPOLI newspaper's app for iOS and Android devices to receive breaking news on your mobile phone.

Sources: Metrópoli, foment.com.