Strike Action Linked to Broader Social Demands

The collective Defensem Biblios BCN has announced its participation in the general strike scheduled for Wednesday 11th November 2026, joining a wider mobilisation calling for decent living conditions, affordable housing, and fair wages. The announcement was made via social media on 4th November, with the group declaring: "For decent wages and housing, on November 11 we stop everything!" This action aligns the cultural sector’s labour concerns with broader social movements facing rising living costs and housing insecurity across Barcelona.

Months-Long Dispute Over Working Conditions

The decision follows more than six months of unresolved labour conflict between public library staff and the Barcelona City Council, as confirmed by a 2nd November report from llibertat.cat. Workers have been denouncing poor working conditions, demanding pay increases, improved scheduling for work-life balance, and the restoration of labour rights. The Barcelona Ombudsman, Sindicatura de Greuges, formally criticised the breakdown in negotiations in a statement issued on 22nd October 2026. The intervention highlighted the impact of stalled talks on both employee welfare and public service quality.

The improvement of working conditions is closely linked to the quality of the public service received by users

, Defensem Biblios Bcn, representing library staff An opposition-led motion passed on 6th October called on Mayor Jaume Collboni to urgently resume negotiations and withdraw administrative and criminal complaints against striking workers. The motion passed with support from Junts, Barcelona en Comú, and ERC, while PSC opposed and PP and Vox abstained.

Escalating Industrial Action

Negotiations have repeatedly stalled, including the cancellation of a scheduled meeting on 28th September just one hour before it was due. On 16th October, a strike led by the CGT union resulted in the closure of 20 library branches in the morning and 30 in the afternoon. Workers continue to mobilise publicly. On Saturday 7th November, Defensem Biblios BCN set up an information stand at LaKontra de Gràcia to raise awareness and maintain community solidarity. The upcoming general strike on 11th November is supported by multiple unions, including UGT and CCOO, who cite the cost-of-living crisis and housing pressures as central to their demands.

Sources: llibertat.cat, Barna.News News Desk.