Barcelona library workers call for total strike

Workers of the Barcelona Library Consortium have called for a total service stoppage on September 1, intensifying an indefinite strike that has been active since May 26. To protest the lack of progress in negotiations, employees organized a demonstration in front of the Sagrada Família basilica.

The dispute centers on the integration of the Consortium into the Barcelona City Council’s new labor agreement for 2025–2028. Labor representatives, including the CGT, accuse the City Council of “immobilism” and using a “war of attrition” tactic to delay the conflict. Workers claim that during August, certain previously achieved labor and union rights were unilaterally stopped being applied.

Key demands include improved salaries, professional recognition, and better working hours to facilitate work-life balance. Specifically, staff have rejected proposals involving 11-hour shifts and are seeking to ensure that the transition to the new municipal agreement does not result in a loss of rights or unequal conditions compared to other municipal employees.