Barcelona Libraries to Begin Indefinite Daily Strike on May 26
Barcelona, May 9, 2026 – The staff of the Barcelona Libraries Consortium has overwhelmingly approved an indefinite daily strike, set to begin on May 26. This action will coincide with the critical weeks preceding the university entrance exams (Selectividad), a period of high demand for library services. The strike, organized by the company committee, comprising the Intersindical and CGT unions, follows two months of stalled negotiations and a perceived lack of response to fundamental demands.
Long-Standing Conflict Escalates After Unfruitful Negotiations
The decision to escalate industrial action comes after a series of protests that began on April 20 with stoppages during Sant Jordi week. These were followed by an indefinite Saturday strike, which has seen significant participation, with 37 out of 40 libraries in Barcelona closing their doors. The unions lament the minimal progress made in negotiations and the management’s alleged refusal or failure to address key issues, including:
- Adherence to legal working hours that facilitate work-life balance.
- Equalization of conditions with other municipal staff.
- Prevention of salary losses through adherence to the new collective agreement.
A representative from the committee stated, “With this indefinite strike, which is expected to have broad support, as previous protests have shown, we aim to pressure the Consortium and the City Council to take responsibility and resolve a conflict that has been dragging on for years.”
Demonstrations Highlight Sector-Wide Discontent
This past Saturday, coinciding with the ongoing strike day, approximately one hundred workers from both the Barcelona Libraries Consortium and the Provincial Council (Diputación) – where the call for action exclusively affects library personnel – gathered to demonstrate. Their aim was to highlight the widespread discontent within the sector across both administrations and to unify efforts in support of their shared demands.
Impact on Students and Public Services Expected
The timing of the indefinite strike, just before the university entrance exams, is likely to significantly impact students relying on library facilities for their studies. The ongoing closure of a majority of Barcelona’s libraries underscores the severity of the dispute and the determination of the staff to achieve their objectives.
Management’s Stance and Future Outlook
The article does not provide a direct statement from the Barcelona Libraries Consortium or the City Council regarding the latest strike announcement. However, the unions’ persistent calls for negotiation suggest a continued deadlock. The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining whether a resolution can be reached before the full impact of the indefinite strike is felt.
This situation is part of a broader context of labor disputes in public services, where employees are increasingly demanding better working conditions and fair compensation in line with legal and economic realities.
Source: elperiodico.com.cat
