The Pensioners' Movement of the Basque Country has become a reference for the numerous mobilizations carried out in recent years. Five years have passed since they began organizing and demonstrating to reclaim their rights, and they have confirmed that they will continue to do so: “So that public pensions, dignified, fair and sufficient for us and for future generations, fighting for rights,” Ecuador Etxea recalled at the Bilbao concentration.

They have highlighted the achievements so far, not only in Bilbao, but also in other capitals and cities: “Repeal of the IRP (0.25) of the 2013 PP reform. Demonstrate the full viability of the Public Pension System (PVP), the repeal of the Sustainability Factor and the avoidance of the desire to halve our pensions and the effort to make new decisions.” It is clear that the 8.5% increase in pensions this year is due to their struggle, “although it does not solve the 11.7% loss”.

They have pointed out that they defend more rights than the whole of society. They have been proud to fight for the distribution of wealth and to work with other unions and agents: “Against what we want to share: young and old, working people, pensioners, men and women, we have the same demand, the equal distribution of wealth”.

Against the second part of the reform

They say that they are in government and that they will continue to defend pensions. They are now going to fight the second part of the pension reform of the Spanish Government. Among other things, the PSOE and Podemos government coalition wants to extend retirement periods and pass the contribution period for the calculation of pensions from 25 to 30 years.

ELA calls for this deadline not to be increased because it will lead to cuts, “especially in women and the most precarious groups”. He has asked the PNV, EH Bildu, Podemos and Geroa Bai, who are represented in the Spanish Congress, to refuse this measure, saying that “the European Next Generation is the result of political blackmail to receive funds”. As the number of pension recipients is increasing, ELA says that “it must be acknowledged that a significant part of the wealth will have to be allocated to these people, without any restrictions”. ELA denounces that current pensions are too low, with an average of €1,356 in the CAV and €1,256 in Navarra. That of women is even smaller: 1.056 euros in the CAPV and 977 euros in Navarra.

The movement of pensioners requires from the outset a minimum pension of EUR 1,080, but is aware that this is not enough and warns that once calculated it should request a minimum of EUR 1,230. “Unfortunately, if we get EUR 1,080 we should consider it a big step forward,” Berria said on Monday.

The LAB trade union pointed out in a note as an “example” of the pensioners’ struggle, valuing their achievements. Looking to the future, the union has shown its commitment to work with them: “In the French and Spanish States the proposals for reform of the pension system are on the table, the measures taken are contrary to the interests of the majority of workers and do not take into account the demands of the pensioners’ movement”. In view of this, they underline the need to take steps in the public and pension system, and recall the LAB proposal that the minimum pension of EUR 1,260, public and universal, and bring the retirement age forward to 60 years.