Violence against women is not acceptable – not at home, not in the workplace, nowhere. Trade Unions must take the lead in fighting against this violence. Furthermore, trade unions must take the lead in making sure that women are paid equal to men, not only equal pay but also equal pension rights and equal social security rights.

For the first time in history, Spanish women took part in a feminist strike, where they downed tools for two hours to participate in the strike called by industriAll Europe affiliates, UGT and CCOO.

Workers from all sectors including automotive, building, energy, equipment goods, etc., supported the call from their unions and demonstrated in protest against inequality towards women, including a lack of pay parity and workplace violence and harassment. 

This International Women’s Day marks a turning point in the daily fight for the equality at all levels, not only at labour level, and it is undoubtedly a step forward for women’s empowerment in society overall. 

IndustriAll Europe stands with its Spanish affiliates UGT and CCOO, and with female workers everywhere, in the fight against gender inequality, the gender pay-gap and pension gap, violence and harassment, precarious work and the glass ceiling. 

Participating in the CCOO video campaign of 120 reasons to strike, General Secretary Luc Triangle said “Violence against women is not acceptable – not at home, not in the workplace, nowhere. Trade Unions must take the lead in fighting against this violence. Furthermore, trade unions must take the lead in making sure that women are paid equal to men, not only equal pay but also equal pension rights and equal social security rights.”