Barcelona's image as an open city, a capital of dialogue, and a pioneer in citizen participation, clashes with the reality experienced by its own employees. According to those affected, the 'Participation Government' discourse fades when demands come from its staff, who seek labor dignity.
“"The institutions of the capitalist and patriarchal system tend to respond with police and control measures when they are unable to manage the social and structural problems they themselves generate."
Municipal staff, mostly women in sectors such as education, social services, and citizen assistance, criticize that in response to their peaceful demands, Mayor Jaume Collboni and Albert Batlle have sent the Mossos d'Esquadra. This action, far from dividing them, has strengthened their unity, with La Intersindical leading a common front of various groups.
The workers denounce that, while the central government announces a 35-hour work week for civil servants, Barcelona City Council offers them an agreement that 'steals acquired rights,' an 'unprecedented cutback' they compare to measures by Javier Milei. Albert Batlle's tactic, they claim, seeks to 'manufacture the idea of privileged civil servants' to divide the working class.
“"When power feels cornered, it tries to fabricate the idea of 'privileged civil servants' and 'hostage workers'."
With over a month of strikes and mobilizations, the workers demand dialogue and that the City Council cease using the police to silence them. They assert that if the doors to offices are denied, they will make the streets their negotiation table, defending Barcelona's public services until the end.
