Camp Nou renovation workers stage indefinite protest camp over mass sackings
Labour unions have set up tents outside Barcelona's stadium to protest alleged worker exploitation and unpaid wages at the Camp Nou construction site.
Workers on Barcelona’s Camp Nou renovation have pitched tents in protest after dozens were allegedly sacked without pay, exposing a potential labour scandal at the Catalan club’s flagship project.
Indefinite protest begins
CCOO, Catalonia’s major trade union, has established an indefinite protest camp outside Camp Nou, specifically near La Masia on Joan XXIII avenue. The demonstrators are demanding action over what they describe as serious labour rights violations occurring at Barcelona’s stadium renovation.
The union has committed to daily protests starting at 7:45am until there’s resolution to the situation that’s left dozens of workers in dire straits.
Multiple subcontractors accused
The labour dispute has widened in recent days, with allegations now targeting multiple companies in the construction chain:
- Initially, workers from Ekstreme Works (subcontracted by Limak) reported dismissals
- Now approximately 30 more workers from another subcontractor, Ramstar, claim similar treatment
- According to CCOO, these employees worked for months without receiving proper wages
- Many allegedly lack proper work documentation
- Ramstar workers reportedly face immediate eviction from the hostel where they’ve lived for nearly two years
Union demands action
The union isn’t having a bubble bath about this situation. They’re pointing fingers in multiple directions:
- They’ve called on Spain’s Labour Inspectorate to intervene immediately
- Primary blame is directed at Limak as the main contractor
- Barcelona FC is ultimately held responsible as the project owner
- The Barcelona City Council is urged to mediate or suspend the construction license if violations continue
CCOO’s General Secretary for Catalonia, Belén López, specifically demanded Barcelona stop “turning a blind eye” to the systematic irregularities occurring at their stadium project.
Previous sanctions
This isn’t the first time the Camp Nou renovation has faced labour troubles. Last November, Catalonia’s Labour Inspectorate proposed a €1.09 million fine against Extreme Works after identifying 79 “very serious” violations related to employing non-EU workers without proper authorization.
The union’s protest camp, complete with several tents positioned directly opposite the construction site, seems set to continue until meaningful action is taken.