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.
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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

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