UGT y CCOO se movilizan en Sevilla contra la extensión del contrato temporal en alimentos agrícolas

The federations of Andaluze in UGT FICA and CCO Industrie announced the concentration called for Tuesday, May 13 in Seville, against the extension of temporary contracts in the agricultural sector.

During a press conference, the head of the agri-food sector in UGT Fica Andalucía, Emilio Terón, and the General Secretary of Industry of CCOO Andalucía, José Hurtado, detailed that the concentration will start at 11:00 in front of the PP-A headquarters.

Both unions expressed their rejection of Law 1/2025, approved by PP, Vox, and Juns, which extends the use of temporary contracts from 90 to 120 days due to production circumstances, only in the agricultural sector. This modification of Article 15 of the Workers’ Statute, as reported, «breaks the balance achieved with the labor reform of 2021 and perpetuates precariousness.»

The person in charge of the food sector in Andalusian UGT Fica, Emilio Terón, denounced a legal change that he considers «a serious aggression» by extending temporary contracts in the agricultural and agro sectors. «We want to express in a resolute and unequivocal manner the serious aggression that this law implies,» he said.

Terón explained that the reform, approved by PP, Vox, and Juns, modifies Article 15 of the Workers’ Statute «through the back door» in a law on food waste. «The worst thing is not only the way it was done, but also the substance of the reform,» he said, warning that it will allow temporary contracts for four, five, or six months.

The Union leader emphasized that the modification not only affects the field but also has an impact on the entire agri-industry in Andalusia. «We are talking about oil factories, oil cooperatives, meat industries, cats, bakeries, or confectioneries,» he recalled, emphasizing their importance for territorial employment and cohesion.

He also criticized the position of employers, stating that «they do not want stability» and prefer job precariousness. «Since the fixed discontinuous contract was promoted, they have pushed to stop it,» said Terón, who requested that the popular party withdraw the rule and return it to the social dialogue table.

Finally, the representative of UGT Andalusia issued a warning about the possible future effects of this reform. «Is this reform the beginning of an offensive against other productive sectors?» He questioned, committing to mobilize «on the street to prevent it.»

In turn, José Hurtado stated that «this modification of Article 15.2 of the Workers’ Statute is a regression of rights, the rebirth of advances made with the last labor reform, which has already reduced the event from 50% to 34%.» «With this new final provision, the sector is once again pushed into scandalous temporariness,» said the responsible union.

In practice, he points out, this means that thousands of people, especially women in rural areas, will be able to work for five or six months and will continue to be considered potential workers. «It means more temporariness, more turnover, more uncertainty, and fewer rights,» he explained.

In Andalusia, Hurtado emphasized that this reform affects nearly half a million people working in agricultural and agro sectors. «We are facing a strategic industry, not only for the economy but also for social cohesion, rural development, and the future guarantee of our towns,» said the CCOO representative, emphasizing that «from oil cooperatives to the meat industry, canned goods, or bakeries, no link in this chain is outside this attack.»

He also criticized that this legal change was made without dialogue, transparency, and behind the backs of the workers and their representatives. «We request that the Popular Party and the government reconsider, rectify, and immediately repeal this eleventh provision.» Similarly, from the CCOO industry federation in Andalusia, there is a need for «a determined boost for indefinite employment, as collected by the spirit of the labor reform, as well as active employment policies that promote gender equality, job stability, and sustainable rural development,» he said.

«We do not accept that people working in these sectors are considered disposable workers. We demand decent, stable, and fair working conditions, agreed upon through social dialogue,» concluded Hurtado.

FUENTE