May 1st is known in Spain as Día del Trabajador (Workers’ Day), a national public holiday that recognises the contributions of workers and the importance of fair labour rights. Similar to Labour Day in other countries, it’s a day off for most people, but also one marked by marches and demonstrations across the country.

Each year, Spanish trade unions use this day to remind the public and government that there is still work to do. In 2025, the country’s two largest unions, CC.OO. (Comisiones Obreras) and UGT (Unión General de Trabajadores), organised protests in 80 cities, calling for a rise in the minimum wage, fewer short-term contracts, and a faster push to reduce the legal working week to 37.5 hours.

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Why May 1st Matters in Spain

This date is part of an international tradition that began in the late 19th century, inspired by workers’ movements in countries like the United States and France. In Spain, Primero de Mayo has long been a day to recognise social progress and to demand further reforms, especially after the country’s transition to democracy in the late 1970s.

Although today’s protests are peaceful and family-friendly, they carry a serious message: that workers want stable jobs, fair pay, and laws that protect their rights. This is especially relevant in sectors like hospitality, tourism, agriculture, and delivery services, where temporary and seasonal contracts are common.

What Happened in 2025?

In Madrid, the main march began on Gran Vía just after midday and ended at Plaza de España. Union leaders spoke directly to the government and political parties, asking them to speed up the approval of a shorter working week, a proposal that had been due for discussion earlier this week but was delayed due to a national power outage.

Barcelona saw thousands take to the streets as well, marching from Plaza Urquinaona along the Via Laietana, a major route often used for political demonstrations. Regional union leaders from Cataluña joined the protest.

These marches were not limited to major cities. Across Spain, similar scenes unfolded as people gathered to make their voices heard.

30.000 personas se manifiestan el 1º de mayo en Madrid para impedir el retroceso en los derechos conquistadoshttps://t.co/bpPETUXp6M pic.twitter.com/zGfLVHCwjl

— CCOO de Madrid (@CCOOMadrid) May 1, 2025

What Do the Unions Want?

The focus this year was on three main demands:

• Raise the minimum wage to help people cope with inflation and the rising cost of living.
• Reduce job insecurity by limiting the overuse of temporary contracts, which can leave workers without benefits or stability.
• Speed up the reduction of the working week, from the current 40 hours to 37.5, without a pay cut.

Supporters of these changes argue they would improve work-life balance, reduce burnout, and open up new job opportunities.

What Usually Happens on May 1st in Spain

As a national holiday, most businesses, banks, and public offices are closed on May 1st. Public transport usually runs as normal but may be delayed in city centres where marches are taking place. Streets in central areas of cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Sevilla can be very busy during the demonstrations.

Shops in tourist areas may remain open, but supermarkets and smaller local businesses are often closed for the day.

A Day That Brings People Together

Despite being a day of protest, May 1st also has a celebratory feel. Marches often include music, banners, and families with children. Many demonstrators say it’s not just about demanding change, but also about honouring the efforts of those who fought for labour rights in the past.

It’s a chance to better understand the role of trade unions in Spain today, and how workers across industries continue to shape the national conversation about work, fairness, and social wellbeing.

Main image/@CCOO