Spain: close union relation at the Ministry of Labor

Unions were relieved by the announcement that Valeriano Gomez was the new Minister of Labor.  He is succeeding Celestino Corbacho, who left after seeing through the controversial labor market reform, voted by Parliament in September in spite of unions’ outright rejection.  Valeriano Gomez, who comes from the union world, used to be an expert for the UGT’s technical cabinet.  Gomez isn’t really a newcomer at the Ministry of Labor.  He was the General Secretary of Employment from 2004 to 2006, during José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero’s first term, while Jesus Caldera was the Minister of Labor. His arrival clearly shows the government’s will to make up with the trade unions and reach common ground.
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lly a newcomer at the Ministry of Labor. He was the General Secretary of Employment from 2004 to 2006, during José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero’s first term, while Jesus Caldera was the Minister of Labor. His arrival clearly shows the government’s will to make up with the trade unions and reach common ground.

Two difficult cases. The new Minister has to work on two difficult cases, reforming pensions and collective bargaining. He should also oversee the regulatory development of the new labor regu

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