Spanish union chief Unai Sordo opposes early election and warns against finance sector layoffs

Unai Sordo, secretary‑general of the Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) union, said Spain should not move up the date of the next general election, arguing that an early poll would create poor incentives and tactical manoeuvring among parties. He urged Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to remain in office and stressed that the top democratic priority is to block the rise of the far‑right, warning that extreme right parties rely on immigration‑related narratives.

Sordo also rejected accusations from the business federation CEOE that workers are abusing sick‑leave systems, linking the rise in medical absences to an ageing workforce, longer waiting times for healthcare, and psychosocial pressures. He highlighted the pressure on staffing in the financial sector, saying the system cannot keep shedding jobs without harming workers' mental health and turning them into permanent sales agents. Additionally, Sordo called for a shift toward renewable energy and reduced dependence on oil to strengthen Spain’s strategic autonomy.