Barcelona institutions are actively working to save 500 jobs at Serra Soldadura, a company in the city's Free Zone. This follows the firm's parent company, Aernnova Aerospace, filing for voluntary creditor protection. Workers have been striking and protesting to maintain their employment and industrial activity.
The works council, representing both CGT and CCOO unions, immediately called for institutional involvement. Serra Soldadura employs residents from Barcelona and nearby metropolitan municipalities. These include L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Gavà, and Viladecans. The potential closure of the plant would significantly impact these communities and their local economies.
Institutional Support for Workers
Local councils have shown strong support for the workers. Mayors such as Alba Bou of El Prat de Llobregat and David Quirós of L'Hospitalet have attended protests. Lluïsa Moret, Mayor of Sant Boi and President of the Barcelona Provincial Council, also participates. Sebastián Zamora, a union delegate for CGT at Serra Soldadura, confirmed "close collaboration" with the workforce. He spoke to Metrópoli about ensuring the plant's continuity. This unified front aims to prevent job losses and preserve industrial capacity.
This collaboration extends to the Catalan Government's Department of Industry. The department is exploring solutions with other administrative bodies. They aim to save jobs and guarantee the plant's viability. Officials are considering re-employment options for affected staff. They are also actively seeking potential buyers for Serra Soldadura. The goal is to ensure the industrial site remains operational and productive within the region.
High-Value Industry at Risk
Serra Soldadura operates in what the industrial sector calls "Industry 4.0". This involves jobs with "high added value" and specialised skills in advanced manufacturing. Catalonia's industrial landscape has faced many cuts, plant closures, and redundancy procedures in recent years. Preserving such a plant is critical for the region's industrial future and its economic diversification.
The dispute remains at a standstill, governed by legal deadlines for creditor protection. Unions plan to increase pressure across the metropolitan area. They also intend to reach the parent company, Aernnova Aerospace, directly. This strategy seeks to force a resolution and protect the livelihoods of 500 families.
Future Protests Planned
More protests, strikes, and manifestos are expected in various city councils in the coming weeks. Union sources explained they will eventually take the conflict to the Basque Country. This includes demonstrations outside the Basque Parliament and at Aernnova's headquarters in Vitoria. Workers from other subsidiaries of the Basque group will support these actions. This shows the determination to fight for the 500 jobs and the plant's future.
Sign up for our new entrepreneurs community Bizcelona, now accepting our second wave of applicants.
Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life. Read original article.
