The three public sector unions, that walked out on talks with the regional government aimed at “agreeing” cuts and changes to working conditions, have called the ninth public day of protest against the “austerity measures” on Tuesday March 1: Carnival Day in the city of Murcia.
“They may take away our rights but they can´t take away our humour,” said a spokesman for Sterm-Intersindical which forms part of the Resistance Committee, with the UGT and the CC OO, “Our protest will follow the rhythm of the carnival.”
The demonstration will take place at 6pm in the Plaza Fuentsanta.
The three unions will also protest at the regional General Assembly, when the President Luis Ramón Valcarcel will be present, at 4pm the same day.
The regional government has reached agreement with nine unions over the “grand scissors,” as the package of cuts has become known, which include increased working hours and cuts in pay and pension contributions.
The stumbling block for the three unions opposing the agreement is reported to be the increase in working hours.
Teaching and health unions feature amongst those who have signed the agreement however, there are various unions representing the workers and some educational and medical centres may still be affected by industrial action.
