Huesca Employers Propose Training Migrants for Jobs

Huesca Employers Propose Training Migrants for Jobs

The Huesca employers' association wants to turn a problem into an opportunity. CEOE-Cepyme Huesca has proposed training the 200 migrants transferred from the Canary Islands to the province and integrating them into the labor market with appropriate skills. Salvador Cored, the organization's director general, states plainly: "If it were possible, we would have already hired those 200 migrants." The obstacle, he admits, is current legislation, which does not allow hiring people in irregular situations "so easily."

The proposal will be officially presented on Monday to the Government Sub-delegation in Huesca. The employers' association argues that many of these migrants could meet the demand for both skilled and unskilled labor in the province. Cored insists there are vacancies in almost all sectors—agriculture, construction, hospitality, industry—especially for unskilled roles and trades such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, or welders.

What Does the Government Say About CEOE Huesca's Proposal?

The Government Delegation in Aragon states it is coordinating with the Ministry of Inclusion on actions related to vulnerable migrant recipients, aiming to address their needs in various areas. They emphasize that each individual situation must be studied. They also appreciate offers of help from organizations and institutions, describing them as "a sign of Aragon's solidarity."

Cored himself acknowledges that the local labor market fluctuates throughout the year and was currently in a "low season" after the peaks of summer agricultural and tourism campaigns. Nevertheless, he defends that integration would bring "mutual benefit" for individuals and businesses.

Arguments Challenging Labor Shortages

The most common reaction in the debate does not dispute the need for workers, but rather the framework. Some argue that Spain only faces a real shortage of highly qualified workers, a segment that, according to circulating calculations, accounts for less than 2% of job offers. Under this thesis, low-skilled vacancies would be filled within six months if unemployment benefits were reduced. Those defending this position draw an uncomfortable conclusion: if the work were legal, there would be no need to bring anyone from outside.

Some go further, arguing that the presence of foreign workers in a company is itself an indication that the company operates outside collective bargaining agreements, whether regarding salary, hours, or both. This suspicion is launched without proof and should be treated as what it is: just another opinion in the debate, not a fact.

Unemployment in Huesca and 30% Youth Unemployment Rate

The question running through the entire discussion is the same: what about the unemployed? A 30% youth unemployment rate is mentioned, asking why unemployed locals, including those living on the streets, are not being trained instead. The contrast drawn is that of a long-term unemployed native of Huesca who, under the employers' ideas, might end up exploring successful avenues like working as a waiter in a rural tourism hotel.

Criticism is not directed solely at the employers' association. It also targets a discourse that, according to several analyses, is flawed from the start: talk of training newcomers assumes they intend to work hard, while part of the debate suggests they may not even want to live in small towns. Distrust toward training subsidies—courses described as worthless or outright fraud—completes the picture.

Training, Qualifications, and the Language Barrier

One of the most discussed points is the actual qualification level of the transferred individuals. Against the idea that "some may already be technicians," responses are skeptical: being a technician in an African country, it is argued, is not equivalent to being one in Europe, because regulations and standards are worlds apart. Under this reasoning, it would be more cost-effective to train any unemployed person, who already speaks the language, than to teach Spanish and regulations to a supposed technician.

Immigration, those holding this view conclude, only contributes when workers arrive already trained and experienced, because that advantage compensates for initial lack of integration or language skills. They add that this scenario rarely occurs in most countries of origin.

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For now, the Huesca employers' proposal rests with the Government Sub-delegation and the individual assessment of each case. If legislation does not change, the offer will remain just that: an offer. And the debate over who should fill these positions—those already here or those who have just arrived—shows no signs of resolution soon.