La Central workers refuse to work on Sundays: "It goes against the city model we want."

BarcelonaThe union section of the Barcelona Central bookstores denounced this Thursday "the regression of labor rights" suffered by the workforce and protested "against the company's imposition" of making them work on Sundays. In a protest in front of the new bookstore on Consell de Cent street, which will open its doors soon, the workers have explained that the company will force them to work on Sundays, "taking advantage of the pacified areas as spaces of economic opportunity." The workers fear that this decision "will also be exported to other La Central stores" and, at the same time, set a precedent for other bookstores. "We know it will pressure other bookstores in the Barcelona ecosystem to open on Sundays. La Central has made a fortune selling alternative books, talking about the right to the city and housing, and often adopting anti-capitalist rhetoric. Sunday opening is the ultimate example of gentrification in the city. It goes against the city model we want." According to the union, the company "has refused to negotiate or sit down to discuss these changes in working conditions."

The union section emphasizes "the evident regression represented by starting to implement a new schedule model, taking advantage especially of young workers who find themselves in precarious situations, working multiple jobs, and with lifestyles disjointed by the studies and experience necessary to enter the labor market." At the same time, the workers have explained that they have long suffered "an oppressive work environment" and that, despite an agreement being reached, the company has breached it by discriminating against some workers. Faced with this situation, the workers filed a complaint with the Labor Inspectorate, which is being processed. They also accuse the bookstore's managers of "generalized harassment among the workforce" and of "opacity and a refusal to negotiate with the union."

Sources at La Central say that "the current workforce will not be forced to work on Sundays" and that "working conditions will not worsen because they will be compensated accordingly." They also emphasize that "both new and existing employees have been consulted" about working on Sundays and "have approved it," and that those with seniority who are being assigned to the new bookstore "have been offered the opportunity to return to their previous jobs." The company explains that, for now, Sunday opening "will be a trial run in September" and that they will then assess whether to continue it. "What we intend with this decision is to revitalize the city. We are doing this to accommodate the large influx of visitors we expect," they argue.

La Central is about to open his third bookstore in Barcelona, in a space located on Consell de Cent Street, between Passeig de Gràcia and Pau Claris. The establishment will have 250 m2 on the main floor, also featuring a mezzanine with a cafeteria, and the lower level, 100 m2, is designed for presentations and cultural activities. La Central is owned by the Feltrinelli Group, part of Feltrinelli SPA.