Barcelona and the wider Catalonia region will not be told to recommend remote work during the Pope’s visit to Madrid, the Catalan government has said.
The decision comes after Spain’s Ministry of Labour, led by Yolanda Díaz, asked companies in Madrid, Catalonia and the Canary Islands to maximise remote work options during the papal visit.
Salvador Illa’s government said its priority is to help workers get to their workplaces. Rather than issue a remote work recommendation, it will reinforce public transport between 9 and 11 June.
The ministry’s request was aimed at reducing mobility problems linked to the visit. Catalonia’s executive said it prefers to focus on strengthening transport services, rather than advising employers to change working arrangements.
This is a clear difference in approach between the regional government and the central ministry on how to manage travel pressure during major events. For more Catalonia-wide updates, see our news coverage.
