2024-11-02 03:00:00
The main trade unions of Asturias, UGT and CC OO, responded yesterday to the criticism received from the Federation of Employers of Asturias (FADE), which on Thursday accused the trade union organizations of having uttered “unacceptable defamatory words” during the demonstration held on Wednesday in Gijón in protest against workplace accidents, which has intensified in the region in the last two months. At the demonstration, union leaders assured that “in the workplace, the prevention of occupational risks is conspicuous by its absence” and that “there are companies that understand that deaths are necessary for the simple fact of working”. The president of FADE, María Calvo, was “outraged” by these assessments.
From the CC OO Asturias they responded yesterday to the words of Calvo, to whom they asked for “more facts and less victimization”. “It is clear and it is dramatic, despite how many companies look the other way and have a victim discourse: Asturias is going through dark weeks and FADE has not yet been able to put a shock security plan on the table,” he said. stated the general secretary of the union, José Manuel Zapico, underlining that “the only certainty is that it is the workers who cause the death”.
His counterpart from UGT Asturias, Javier Fernández Lanero, asked FADE “not to be stupid” and to “understand the message” sent by the union, according to which it cannot “do the job” of the employers’ association to fight injuries. “They are the ones who must stay in front, behind the flag, not to say that accidents at work are a divine evil or the result of a negative period, but to ask for changes and promote persecution and sanctions against those companies that do not respect occupational health issues,” he said.
#Unions #respond #FADE #injury #rate #victimization
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Labor Relations Expert
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. We’re diving into a pressing topic that’s been stirring up quite a bit of controversy in Asturias lately. The trade unions UGT and CC OO have been at the center of a dispute after criticism from the Federation of Employers of Asturias. Can you shed some light on the context of this situation?
Expert: Good morning! Yes, this situation reflects ongoing tensions between trade unions and employers in Asturias. The demonstration in Gijón was a response to workplace conditions and concerns that workers are facing. When UGT and CC OO voiced these concerns, the Federation of Employers felt their statements were overly harsh and labeled them as “unacceptable defamatory words.” This kind of exchange is not uncommon when trade unions advocate for better worker conditions.
Time.news Editor: It’s interesting to see how both sides react to such public displays. Do you think the employers’ response will have an impact on the workers’ movement and the unions’ goals?
Expert: Absolutely. The employers’ reaction can galvanize union members, reinforcing their commitment to fighting for their rights. It also brings more attention to the issues at hand. However, it can also lead to a hardening of positions on both sides, making negotiations more complex. It really depends on how both parties choose to engage in the public discourse that follows.
Time.news Editor: Clear communication is key, then. What should the unions consider moving forward in light of this backlash?
Expert: They should focus on framing their concerns in a way that emphasizes common ground with employers rather than antagonism. It’s crucial for them to foster a dialogue that highlights the importance of worker well-being not just for employees, but for the sustainability of businesses in the region. Bringing solutions to the table, rather than just grievances, could help ease tensions.
Time.news Editor: That’s a proactive approach. Looking at the broader picture, how do you see the role of trade unions evolving in the current economic climate of Spain?
Expert: The role of trade unions is indeed evolving. With the rise of gig economies and non-traditional work arrangements, unions are increasingly advocating for rights that cater to these new working conditions. They need to adapt their strategies to address contemporary issues like job security, fair wages, and workplace safety in more flexible working environments. This evolution will determine their effectiveness in representing workers’ interests in the future.
Time.news Editor: Very insightful. It sounds like, despite the challenges, unions have an opportunity to redefine their roles. Thank you for sharing your expertise on this matter.
Expert: Thank you for having me! These discussions are essential for understanding the future of labor relations in Spain and beyond.
Time.news Editor: Indeed. We’ll continue to monitor this situation in Asturias and see how it develops. Thank you, everyone, for tuning in!
