May Day in Barcelona, marked by peace and the defense of social rights

The CCOO and UGT unions have led the mobilizations in Barcelona, emphasizing affordable housing and social justice, with 2,500 participants.

May Day demonstration in Barcelona with a crowd of people
IA

May Day demonstration in Barcelona with a crowd of people

May Day 2026 in Barcelona was marked by demands for peace, affordable housing, and a fairer distribution of wealth, with 2,500 participants according to the Guàrdia Urbana.

The main trade unions, CCOO and UGT of Catalonia, have called for mobilizations in various cities, including Barcelona, Girona, Igualada, Reus, Tarragona, Terrassa, Tortosa, and Lleida. In Barcelona, the march began in Plaça Urquinaona and proceeded along Via Laietana, concluding with speeches from union leaders.
Under the slogan «Against wars and fascism, more rights and more unionism», the day highlighted concerns about the international situation and the need to defend democracy. The importance of extraordinary regularization for migrant people was also emphasized as a measure of justice to combat labor exploitation.

"Native or foreign, the same working class"

CCOO de Catalunya
Although the demand for a 37.5-hour work week was not the main focus, the unions affirmed that it remains a priority and negotiations are ongoing. The general secretary of CCOO Catalonia stressed the need to approve the extension of the rental decree to ensure dignified life projects and warned about the impact of inflation on workers' purchasing power.
Meanwhile, the general secretary of UGT of Catalonia lamented the «certain aggressiveness» from other educational unions following the agreement reached with the Government, calling for respect and accusing them of unwillingness to negotiate. He also called for the freedom of the members of the intercepted Global Sumud Flotilla and reiterated the message of «no to wars and no to fascism».
Political representatives such as the mayor of Barcelona, the minister of Culture, and leaders from parties like ERC, PSC, and Comuns, participated in the march. The leader of ERC called for «fighting» to preserve inherited social rights and advocated for ensuring dignified housing, fair wages, and efficient public transport.