> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Barcelona Library Strike to Continue Through September - URL: https://barna.news/barcelona-library-strike-to-continue-through-september/ - Published: 2026-09-05T07:57:54.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-05T07:57:54.000Z - Author: Laia Serra - Tags: Community ## Strike drags on with no breakthrough The indefinite strike at Barcelona’s municipal libraries will extend through September, with no resolution in sight between the city council and workers. Despite a demonstration on 1 September in front of the Sagrada Família, negotiations remain stalled. The Barcelona City Council, through Culture Councillor Xavier Marcé, reiterated its "full willingness to reach an agreement", calling libraries a service "highly valued by citizens" and stressing the importance of recognising staff work. ## No meetings since June, despite conciliation The strike, ongoing since 26 May, is led by trade unions CGT and Intersindical, who accuse the council of failing to engage in meaningful negotiations. The last formal meeting between both parties took place on 16 June, according to the unions. Although a conciliation meeting is scheduled for next week under the Department of Labour, the council acknowledges the conflict is "unlikely to be resolved" then. The unions reject the idea that negotiations are open, insisting dialogue has not resumed. --- ## Service disruption continues On 1 September, 37 of the city’s 41 municipal libraries were closed due to the strike. Throughout the summer, around one in four libraries has had to close periodically due to insufficient staff. A new assembly of library workers is scheduled for 14 September to determine next steps. ## Roots of the dispute: pay inequality and legal rulings The conflict stems from a long-standing dual pay system within the Consorci de Biblioteques de Barcelona, established in 2001 and jointly managed by Barcelona City Council and the Diputació de Barcelona. Around 30% of staff are paid under Diputació conditions, while 70% fall under city council terms. Over time, this has led to divergent pay and working conditions. In 2021, both the Sindicatura de Comptes and the Tribunal de Comptes ruled that this dual model is incompatible with legal standards, requiring a single collective agreement. The city council insists all staff must adhere to the new municipal collective agreement 2025–2028, signed in February by CCOO, CSIF and UGT, which covers around 15,000 municipal employees. ## Unions reject proposed changes CGT and Intersindical argue the new agreement fails to fully match existing benefits. While the council offers an 8% pay increase for those under Diputació conditions, unions say this does not fully compensate for lost social benefits such as meal vouchers, personal leave days, and economic allowances. They also criticise the lack of access to horizontal career progression, which other municipal workers enjoy. Xavier Marcé defended the proposal as "viable, balanced and respectful", highlighting functional integration, a 35-hour workweek for all, and improved career development. He also outlined plans for restructured working hours, with staff expected to work strictly morning or afternoon shifts, including one full day per week. > The proposal opens the door to a much broader, more horizontal professional career for library staff. Marcé added that functional integration would grant access to broader city council resources, including occupational risk prevention and career development tools. However, unions maintain that the changes undermine hard-won conditions. - Strike began: 26 May 2025 - Last negotiation meeting: 16 June 2025 - Next staff assembly: 14 September 2025 - Municipal libraries in Barcelona: 41 - Libraries closed during 1 September protest: 37 --- *Primary sources:* [*ajuntament.barcelona.cat*](https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/premsa/2026/01/30/el-plenari-del-consell-municipal-aprova-el-nou-conveni-collectiu-2025-2028/?ref=barna.news)*,* [*bcnroc.ajuntament.barcelona.cat*](https://bcnroc.ajuntament.barcelona.cat/jspui/bitstream/11703/144515/6/GM%5F%5FConveni-Laboral-Ajuntament%5F2026.pdf.txt?ref=barna.news)*,* [*Consorci de Biblioteques de Barcelona*](https://bcnroc.ajuntament.barcelona.cat/jspui/bitstream/11703/121937/1/BOPB%5FAcord%5FCBB%5FDerogTaxPI%5F2021.pdf?ref=barna.news)*. Reported by elperiodico.cat, regio7.cat, Sindicatura de Comptes de Catalunya, ACN, elnacional.cat, rtve.es, ugt.cat, llegim.ara.cat, metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, Barna Diario, El Periódico (CA).* --- ### Related on Catalan.News - Barcelona and Catalan Government Agree on New Residences and School Upgrades - Sant Cugat Without DNI Office for Two Years - Catalonia Announces €6.9m in Disability Support Grants - Club Muntanyenc faces challenges from Collserola restrictions