Workers from the Barcelona Library Consortium initiated a partial strike across the city's libraries on Monday, 21 April 2026, demanding improved working conditions and greater investment in public services. The initial stoppage ran from 18:00 to 20:45, with further actions planned throughout the week.
As a first act of protest, staff occupied the Sarrià – J. V. Foix library, displaying banners with slogans such as "Libraries in struggle" and "We defend our libraries". The strike is set to continue with a 24-hour stoppage on Tuesday, 22 April, and includes an indefinite strike every Saturday. Union representatives have warned that industrial action could extend into May, affecting the weeks leading up to university entrance exams.
Further protests are scheduled to coincide with the Sant Jordi proclamation on 22 April, the Sant Jordi Day celebrations on 23 April, and the Municipal Plenary Session on 24 April, according to the strike committee.
Demands for Fairer Conditions
The CGT and Intersindical, the two main unions organising the strike, are calling for "dignified working conditions to guarantee a quality service". They highlight current working hours that involve "sacrificing work-life balance", with split shifts lasting up to 11 hours a day. The unions are seeking conditions equivalent to those of other Barcelona City Council staff.
Furthermore, workers are denouncing what they describe as a "historic double discrimination", stemming from both the "endemic shortcomings of the cultural sector" and the comparative disadvantage of a feminised profession, which they claim is "worse paid and less valued". They are advocating for the recognition of libraries' fundamental role as cultural hubs and social centres that often undertake "functions typical of other municipal services".
Among their demands, staff are seeking a specific allowance for direct public service duties and a dedicated protocol to address potential cases of violence. Other reasons for the strike include the opening of new libraries "with minimum staff", the need for increased investment and resource optimisation, the removal of the TIC support service aimed at reducing the digital divide, and the outsourcing of public services.
Consortium Responds to Grievances
Montse Serra, a delegate for the Barcelona Library Consortium's Works Council, stated that negotiations have been difficult. "For now, the company is not letting us negotiate. They come with a closed package, with their barred proposal. And that is why it is very difficult, and we have started these mobilisations," Serra told reporters.
In response, the Barcelona Library Consortium has affirmed that negotiations remain open. Officials said they are working towards implementing a 35-hour week to improve work-life balance and to convert temporary staff into permanent civil servants. The Consortium also highlighted that its workforce has increased by over 70 people to ensure adequate service provision.
