Spain: Basque trade unionist Unai Sordo takes the helm at the CCOO

The Spanish Workers' Commissions (CCOO) recently held their ninth union congress, which took place from 29 June to 1 July, and it saw the election of the union’s general secretary. Unai Sordo, the leader of the CCOO’s regional federation in the Basque Country, has been appointed to lead the union. The 44-year-old was the only candidate for the position and takes over a union that has become fragmented, following corruption scandals, and has been ravaged by the crisis and its impact on the country’s labour market. The outgoing leader, Ignacio Fernández Toxo, decided to leave the door open for a younger and more feminised leadership, which – as he also believes – would be better placed to address the way the world of work is evolving.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

At the age of 64, Ignacio Fernández Toxo made the decision to relinquish his role at the helm of the union after two terms in office that were marked by the raging crisis and union disaffection. He endeavoured to carry out an in depth reform of the organisation, with a more streamlined structure, a redefined ethical code (see article nº8934), and work on the ground that was more focused on companies and workplaces (see article nº8137). He also pushed the union to think about its future (see art

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
United-Kingdom: Day-one rights for unpaid paternity leave
From 6 April 2026, fathers and partners will no longer need to demonstrate six months of service to qualify for paternity leave. This entitlement becomes a day-one right within the company...
30 March 2026
France: CMA-CGM seeks to adapt professional equality to seafaring roles
The news. On 23 March 2026, the shipowner CMA-CGM (17,600 employees in France) and the CFDT, CFE-CGC, and FO unions signed a gender equality agreement for the 2026-2030 period, as identified by...
Germany: crisis and transformation wage agreement in the chemical sector
Following a two-day marathon negotiation in Bad Breisig (Western Germany), the social partners of the German chemical and pharmaceutical industries—the IG BCE trade union and the BAVC employers'...
27 March 2026
Malta: a draft amendment to better protect against workplace harassment
The news. On 23 February 2026, the Maltese government introduced a draft amendment to the Employment and Industrial Relations Act, seeking to expand the scope of protection against workplace...
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Catherine Chavanier (CDC Habitat): “Social dialogue on AI facilitates its deployment”
In February, CDC Habitat (10,500 employees) signed a two-year framework agreement governing social dialogue on AI. Catherine Chavanier, HR Director of the subsidiary of CDC (Caisse des dépôts et...
2
Greece: hospitality sector signs first collective agreement aligned with National Social Pact
The hospitality sector (125,000 employees), one of Greece’s largest industries after retail, signed a new two-year collective agreement on 17 March. The text, effective from 1 April 2026...
3
France: La Poste to launch negotiations for an AI agreement
Following the lead of firms such as Axa, Syensqo globally, and more recently CDC Habitat, La Poste group management will open negotiations on an AI regulation agreement during the first half of...
4
France: Club Med includes “multiculturalism” in its professional equality agreement
In December 2025, Club Med and the CFTC, Unsa, and FO trade unions signed an agreement on professional equality and working conditions. It introduces measures addressing AI, pay transparency, and...
23 March 2026
5
France: bioMérieux’s new disability agreement pivots towards mental health
The news. On 6 January 2026, bioMérieux—an in vitro diagnostics specialist employing 4,400 people in France—signed a new four-year agreement “relating to the employment...
6
Germany: a wave of redundancy plans in the automotive sector
The latest financial results presented in early 2026 by major German car manufacturers show sharp declines. This collapse in profits has triggered the announcement or confirmation of massive job...
16 March 2026