Do we need unions in this country?

Trade unionism needs a profound overhaul. And the country's trade unionism—the pro-sovereignty one; the pro-Catalan one; the one from here, if you understand what I mean—even more so. I haven't said anything you don't already know. Who joins a union today? You don't have to be a genius to realize that labor associations are trapped in dynamics that don't always respond to workers' problems. We have many symptoms of this situation. The fact that last May Day there was no demonstration or significant event by pro-sovereignty unions is a clear example of this. On the day the world of labor celebrates its annual liturgy, "our" people weren't there. And the most serious thing is that no one noticed, no one was surprised, no one was scandalized. Indifference has taken hold on the pro-sovereignty left, and this is very dangerous.

Now, as a society, we have plenty of reasons to mobilize. The Balearic Islands suffer from chronic job insecurity, which comes back like a slap in the face every tourist season. Wages are low, rents are unaffordable, and temporary employment is the norm. Meanwhile, the middle class is suffering from inflation.

Now, I believe the situation can be rectified. Let me explain. The "national" union space currently represents 6% or 7% of workers. A not inconsiderable number. It has more members than many environmental and cultural organizations, roots in the four islands, and dozens of union representatives. If that potential were put at the service of social transformation and national construction, it would be an unstoppable force. But the reality, for now, is different. The unions that represent this space are often single-issue and focus on very specific sectors, such as education or the civil service. They speak a lot of the language, but too little about the productive economy, housing, or tourism. If Mallorcan unionism wants to have a future, it must leave its comfort zone.

We therefore need a union movement that understands that labor conflict is not only about wages but also about structures: we must talk about what economic and social model we want for our territory. Let us understand that struggle is the driving force of social change. It's not about competing with the CCOO or UGT for membership and union delegates, but rather influencing them. And this is possible. It's not at all unreasonable to think that the large state unions can be forced to take a national perspective if we manage to establish our own union agenda. We therefore need a project that combines social justice and cultural roots. One that understands that defending a decent wage for a hotel maid or a nurse also means defending the continuity of a community that speaks a common language and shares traditions. Because when work is degraded, the tools of social cohesion break down, and a common future becomes impossible. A Mallorcan-style union movement must defend the country as a collective heritage, knowing that every agreement and every labor right are building blocks of the future we want. The union must be a gateway to the nation, a space where newly arrived workers understand that defending their rights also means defending the country.

Make no mistake. There's no naiveté in this view. I know the path well. I know perfectly well the steps we've been trying to take for decades, the successes and the setbacks we've taken. How difficult it all is. But to move forward, we must persist: keep going, keep going, keep going. There's no other way.

But this is impossible as long as the ridiculous spectacle of mini-unions fighting over crumbs continues. In sectors like education, four unions compete for the same space, weakening each other. Meanwhile, teachers' salaries remain frozen and structural problems remain unresolved. This fragmentation is a burden, not an asset. If we don't know how to unite among ourselves, how can we expect to influence the large unions or the social debate? Consequently, the country's trade union movement must engage in profound reflection and explore coalitions and new forms of organization, adapted to a rapidly changing globalized labor market.

It must be said that some steps have been taken in this direction. For example, at its last Congress, the STEI created a private sector secretariat. A good initiative. It's also a good idea to have decided to call a 24-hour strike in solidarity with Palestine on the 15th. But much, much more is needed. And that's everyone's business, let's not forget. As its general secretary, Miquel Gelabert, says: "Perhaps unions need to reinvent themselves, but society must also reinvent itself." Self-criticism is therefore necessary, but also boldness.

Ultimately, what's at stake is too important to continue pretending nothing's happening. The Balearic Islands can't just be a tourist backdrop in the hands of speculators and vulture funds, while those who live and work there work their butts off for miserable wages. We need a Mallorcan-style union movement that restores the dignity of the working class, unites locals and newcomers, influences the major unions, and, above all, stops causing pity. Because without that, Mallorca's future will be decided by the same old people.