Spain-wide strike on October 15 against genocide in Gaza
Unions all across Spain have called on employees to stage a protest this Wednesday
This Wednesday October 15, union walkouts have been called across the country and in all workplaces by the various unions. Comisiones Obreras and UGT have registered a call for partial walkouts of two hours per work shift, while CGT has called a 24-hour general strike nationwide.
This protest comes after months of continuous complaints from unions and mass protests across Spain against the genocide in Gaza, despite the ceasefire that began last week and the peace plan signed in Egypt by the United States, the host country, Qatar and Turkey.
Comisiones Obreras and UGT stated last week that "no plan can be considered a lasting peace plan if it excludes the Palestinian people, perpetuates the occupation, or ignores United Nations resolutions."
According to the unions, the industrial action has been called so that we don't lose sight of what is happening in Palestine, especially after a ceasefire agreement that, they point out, reproduces a colonial and apartheid system in Palestine and the Gaza Strip, but without taking the Palestinians into account. Ultimately, they hope this mobilisation will push the various powers to secure a lasting peace.
Who can go on strike?
On this occasion, workers across the country and in all sectors are called to strike. It covers all salaried workers, in all sectors or activities, both public and private.
Is it necessary to be a union member to go on strike?
No. The right to strike is a personal right recognised by the Spanish Constitution, regardless of whether the worker is a union member or not. Official union calls allow all workers to exercise this right, whether through partial strikes or a 24-hour general strike.
How long does this strike last?
In this case, there are two possibilities. On the one hand, the UGT and CCOO unions have called for two-hour strikes per work shift. If you intend to participate in these partial strikes, the strike will take place between 2am and 4am for the night shift, between 10am and 12pm for the morning shift and from 5pm to 7pm for the afternoon shift.
On the other hand, the CGT union has called for a 24-hour strike, which means you can also exercise your right from midnight to 11.59pm on Wednesday October 15.
Do I have to notify my company if I'm going to participate in the strike?
No, it’s not mandatory since the right to strike is a personal and voluntary right. If the company asks you, you are under no obligation to answer.
What does it mean for my salary?
Participating in a strike suspends your employment contract. This means that your salary will be deducted from your pay packet for the hours or days you miss work. This salary may include both your base salary and any corresponding bonuses, including a proportional portion of any overtime payments.
Can I be retaliated against?
The company cannot dismiss you or impose penalties on you for going on strike.
What situations are not covered by the right to strike?
The exercise of the right to strike is governed by law and, as such, has a series of limits. Violent acts or acts that threaten the physical or moral integrity of individuals are prohibited.
Can my right to strike be limited?
Yes. The company can designate you to perform minimum services during the strike and must notify you personally. This will occur provided these minimum services have been established by the corresponding labour authority in the sectors considered essential.
What is a picket?
A picket line is a group of strikers, usually unionised, who attempt to encourage a company's workforce or the general public to join a strike and work stoppage, provided this is done without coercion. The picket line must have an informational purpose and is also responsible for carrying out the tasks necessary to maintain and ensure the effectiveness of the strike.
What happens if your company doesn't allow you to strike?
If you believe your right to strike is being violated, or that the company is threatening or retaliating against one or more workers, it's best to report it by all possible means and inform your union representatives. A common approach is to request that the company or your supervisor notify you in writing, which will then allow you to go to the Labour Inspectorate or, if necessary, to the courts.
In other news: The worst storms in Spain will now be given their own names
Image: Freepik
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