Alternative left groups in Manresa, Central Catalonia, will lead the city's May Day demonstration, starting at 11am from Plaça Neus Català. The march, promoted with the slogan "The old world is sinking... let's build a new one," highlights current social and economic concerns.
The organisers' poster on social media states, "In the current context, we have more reasons than ever to take to the streets this May Day. Faced with rising racism and hatred, wars, and the destruction of the territory, it is the working class that suffers everything. Here and everywhere, profit is put before life: precariousness, exploitation, and an increasingly uncertain future. We do not give up. We organise, we care for each other, and we fight collectively."
Manresa will not host a May Day mobilisation organised by the major trade unions this year. These unions are instead holding demonstrations in the four provincial capitals, as well as Terrassa and Tortosa. Reus will see a floral offering.
Union Tributes Precede May Day
Ahead of May Day, UGT de Catalunya held an event on Monday to honour long-serving members. Commemorative plaques were given to 14 retired affiliates, recognising their commitment to the union. Among those honoured was Miguel Espejo Rodríguez, a historic trade unionist from Bages, who served as general secretary for the Bages-Berguedà territorial branch for two decades.
UGT described Espejo as "a reference figure for his active role in defending labour rights in this territory," representing "the values of sacrifice and constancy of a whole generation of fighters." Separately, CCOO Vallès Occidental-Catalunya Central will hold its own recognition event next Monday for members with 25 years of affiliation in the Bages, Berguedà, and Moianès regions. The event will take place at 5pm at the CCOO Manresa premises, featuring speeches from Ivan Ramos, general secretary of CCOO Vallès Occidental and Central Catalonia, and Belén López, general secretary of CCOO de Catalunya.
