The general secretary of the UGT, Pepe Álvarez, also has his demands for the next legislature. The union will emphasize reaching a minimum wage of 1,200 euros in 14 payments with automatic reviews, reducing the work week to 35 hours, making dismissal more expensive and demanding wage increases to "distribute the benefits."
In a press conference to offer the position of the UGT for the new course, Álvarez has claimed that the Interprofessional Average Salary (SMI) be "60% of the real average salary", whose amount is, according to what he says, higher than what is considers. "There is no methodology to locate the real average salary in our country, and the Tax Agency has calculated that it is substantially higher than that defined by the group of experts", he stated.
The claim of the UGT is to set a higher real average salary and, on that basis, establish an SMI of 60% that "goes to the Workers' Statute" and that includes an "automatic update as occurs with pensions", so that it is revalued without the need for prior negotiation with employers and unions.
This reinstatement contrasts with what was requested just two days ago by the employers' association of small and medium-sized companies, Cepyme, which asks to stop the increases in the minimum wage and less tax pressure. The current SMI is 1,080 euros gross per month in 14 payments or 15,120 euros gross per year, according to the last update, made in February.
Another request from the union is that of a general wage increase. "It is an issue that must be raised," said the union leader. "In the tourism sector, for example, the rates have risen by 25% and the benefits must be distributed because the waiters and waitresses must also participate in them."
In relation to tourism, Álvarez has also demanded that in stressed areas, such as the Balearic Islands, "alternatives be sought that allow jobs to be filled with dignity." He refers to the proliferation of tourist apartments that expel "between May and October" many employees who are "forced to live poorly in hostels." "It should be one of the important debates in the coming months," he said.
Regarding the reduction of the working week, the Secretary General considers that this legislature should set a maximum of 35 hours. "Productivity levels have increased visibly in all sectors. To build a car, 30 fewer workers are needed now than forty years ago."
UGT will also demand a more expensive dismissal, which "continues to be cheap", and a plan against long-term unemployment, which is growing in part because "with the labor reform there is less turnover." It also appreciates "abuses in part-time hiring" and rejects that in Spain there is a problem of vacant jobs.
