Hundreds of Serra Soldadura employees marched through Barcelona on Wednesday, 22 April, protesting the impending closure of their Zona Franca plant and the loss of 500 industrial jobs. The demonstration on Via Laietana highlighted widespread concern over the future of the company, a subsidiary of the Basque multinational Aernnova.

Nearly 500 workers, led by trade unions CCOO and CGT, chanted "No to the closure of Serra Soldadura" as they proceeded towards Plaça de Sant Jaume. This protest marks one of several strike days organised in recent weeks. Unions called for mobilisation after the company initiated a voluntary creditor's arrangement for its Barcelona subsidiary.

Workers expressed deep indignation, stating they "pulled together and made sacrifices" during previous difficult times. Sebastián Zamora, a CGT union delegate, criticised Aernnova's management. He said, "We are defending our jobs, but also the future of Catalan industry."

Mr Zamora added, "Serra Soldadura represents Industry 4.0. It is high value-added work. Aernnova, the multinational, has not been able to take charge of Serra Soldadura." He further accused, "A company that feeds on public money has absorbed material and clients and has spent a year letting it fall." The entire workforce chanted "Aernnova is corporate terrorism."

Municipalities Back Workers' Demands

The potential loss of 500 direct and indirect industrial jobs has also alarmed several local councils. While unions primarily seek intervention from the Generalitat de Catalunya, municipal representatives have attended previous gatherings. These included mayors and officials from L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Gavà, El Prat de Llobregat, Viladecans, and Barcelona.

David Quirós, Mayor of L'Hospitalet, Gemma Badia, Mayor of Gavà, and Alba Bou, Mayor of El Prat de Llobregat, offered their support. Raquel Gil, Barcelona's fifth deputy mayor, also attended to demonstrate the city's backing. These municipalities collectively urge the Generalitat to ensure Serra Soldadura's reindustrialisation. They also demand the preservation of the 500 endangered jobs.

Company History and Disputed Reasons for Closure

Serra Soldadura, established in 1934, specialises in industrial welding engineering, development, and manufacturing. The company primarily serves the automotive sector. It stands as an almost century-old industrial enterprise. Without metropolitan involvement, its future appears bleak.

Aernnova attributes the closure to poor market conditions and declining demand. This explanation surprised the workforce. Serra Soldadura reported a turnover of €70 million in 2023. Workers argue that "the current situation results from erroneous business decisions." These decisions, they claim, have placed Serra Soldadura in a critical scenario.

The ongoing protests and municipal support underscore the urgent need for a resolution. Stakeholders continue to press the Generalitat for a viable plan to save these vital industrial jobs. This situation highlights broader concerns about industrial employment in the Barcelona metropolitan area.

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Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life. Read original article.