Sánchez avoids general strike despite inflation crisis
Sánchez is the only Spanish PM to avoid a UGT and CCOO general strike during a crisis, amid record subsidies and low union membership.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Sánchez, the only prime minister to escape a general strike by unions
While Aznar, Zapatero, and Rajoy faced general strikes, Pedro Sánchez has managed to dodge mobilization by UGT and CCOO during the worst inflation crisis in decades. This is no coincidence: data shows an inverse relationship between record subsidies and union conflict.
The cost of social peace: record subsidies in exchange for silence
In December 2024, Yolanda Díaz doubled the subsidy to unions to a historic high of €32 million for 2025. This increase coincides with the absence of general strikes during Sánchez's term, contrasting with PP governments. In fact, the Executive put one-third of union buildings (220 out of 558) up for sale due to "low usage," suggesting that union activity has been reduced to managing subsidies.
Member exodus and lack of muscle: the other side of the coin
Union membership has hit historic lows: only 12.5% of workers are affiliated, according to ABC. The cancellation of the train strike by UGT and CCOO triggered an exodus of members who accuse the leadership of "selling out to the Government." This loss of social base reduces calling capacity, although subsidy data suggests motivation is more financial than representative.
The business of full-time union officials
The circle closes with cases of nepotism: a former ADIF board member from UGT placed his two children in the public company, while the partner of the CCOO leader received €345,000 in public funds for "reading workshops." These examples reinforce the perception that unions have become entities funded by taxpayers.
The lingering question is whether unions have lost their purpose or simply changed their boss. As long as subsidies keep flowing, the general strike will remain a tool reserved for right-wing governments.
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While Aznar, Zapatero, and Rajoy faced general strikes, Pedro Sánchez has managed to dodge mobilization by UGT and CCOO during the worst inflation crisis in decades. This is no coincidence: data shows an inverse relationship between record subsidies and union conflict.
The cost of social peace: record subsidies in exchange for silence
In December 2024, Yolanda Díaz doubled the subsidy to unions to a historic high of €32 million for 2025. This increase coincides with the absence of general strikes during Sánchez's term, contrasting with PP governments. In fact, the Executive put one-third of union buildings (220 out of 558) up for sale due to "low usage," suggesting that union activity has been reduced to managing subsidies.
Member exodus and lack of muscle: the other side of the coin
Union membership has hit historic lows: only 12.5% of workers are affiliated, according to ABC. The cancellation of the train strike by UGT and CCOO triggered an exodus of members who accuse the leadership of "selling out to the Government." This loss of social base reduces calling capacity, although subsidy data suggests motivation is more financial than representative.
The business of full-time union officials
The circle closes with cases of nepotism: a former ADIF board member from UGT placed his two children in the public company, while the partner of the CCOO leader received €345,000 in public funds for "reading workshops." These examples reinforce the perception that unions have become entities funded by taxpayers.
The lingering question is whether unions have lost their purpose or simply changed their boss. As long as subsidies keep flowing, the general strike will remain a tool reserved for right-wing governments.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (208 replies).
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