UGT union protests in Cantabria

The UGT union has conducted several mobilizations in Cantabria to protest labor and service issues.

In late September, the union protested at the Parliament of Cantabria regarding the Law of Social Rights and Services. UGT representatives argued that a specific legal provision is preventing the negotiation of a new regional collective agreement for over 10,000 dependency care workers. Gema Fernández, secretary of Dependency for UGT Public Services, stated that current public prices are tied to an outdated national agreement, which maintains precarious wages and working conditions for staff such as home care assistants.

Following this, the union expressed opposition to the closure of the Renfe ticket office in Astillero. UGT claims the closure, effective October 1, results in job losses and removes direct assistance for passengers. The union characterized this as part of a broader strategy to dismantle local transport services in the region, noting that similar closures occurred in Renedo de Piélagos, Cabezón de la Sal, and Reinosa. They warned that replacing staff with automated systems disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, such as the elderly.