Solidaridad Union: Vox's union arm takes to the streets

Solidaridad Union: A right-wing trade union?

A union that champions the Spanish flag and aligns itself with Vox? Yes, it exists and is called Solidaridad. In a union landscape dominated by UGT and CCOO, this organization emerged in 2025 with public events and a discourse that breaks with the traditional narrative. On March 15, it convened an event at the Pablo VI Space in Madrid under the slogan "Only the people save the people." And on May 1st, a sacred date for the labor movement, it held a rally in Fuenlabrada with Santiago Abascal as the star guest. The lingering question: are we witnessing the germ of patriotic unionism or an electoral appendage of the radical right?

A different May Day

While classic unions filled squares with Palestinian and Sahrawi flags, Solidaridad opted for a different staging. On May 2, 2025, it released a video of the previous day's event in Fuenlabrada, where Santiago Abascal delivered a speech titled "All together against the incivil Government." The message: Spanish workers are being abandoned by unions that, according to their critics, have forgotten the defense of national employment to focus on international causes. Attendance, though no official figures were provided, was described as successful by organizers.

Criticism of traditional unionism

The debate surrounding Solidaridad is not new. Critical voices within the union movement itself denounce that union officials "live off dues without working" and that majority unions have prioritized political activism over worker defense. "If there are ever problems, lawyers directly; you skip the process of paying dues," the argument goes. The accusation of "laziness" and using funds for flags of other causes—Palestine, Sahara—but not Spain, resonates among those who see Solidaridad as a necessary alternative. However, its detractors label it a mere instrument of Vox to capture blue-collar votes without offering real improvements.

The political context

Solidaridad does not hide its closeness to Vox. Its foundation and events antiestéticature party leaders, and its discourse links with criticism of the "capitalist system" which, according to its sympathizers, has enslaved the population. But there are also those, from more leftist positions, who see Vox and its brands as simple employees of capital. Ironies of fate: while some accuse Solidaridad of being a company union, others see it as the only option that puts the Spanish flag first.

With these ingredients, Spanish unionism might be facing a rift that goes beyond labor issues. The question is whether Solidaridad will manage to poach members from the traditional giants or remain a testimonial act with much media noise. For now, they have shown they know how to mobilize and that May Day is no longer a monopoly of the established unions.