Unite calls for 'dialogue and reason' in Gibraltar dispute
Unite, which has more than 4,000 members in Gibraltar, has called for 'political dialogue and reason' in the escalating row with Spain over fishing rights and the imposition of beefed-up border checks.
Unions on both sides of the border – Unite, CCOO (Comissiones Obreras) and UGT (Union General de Trabajadores) – have called for 'a rejection of confrontational policies' and for citizens in Gibraltar and Spain 'not to fall for traps and provocations'.
The joint union statement said: “We call for an agreement which combines the sustainability of the marine biodiversity in the waters surrounding the Rock with the traditional fishing in the area.”
The unions said that about 10,000 Spanish and 2,000 other EU workers cross the border each day to go to work, as well as those who cross for leisure or to visit their relatives.
Unite national officer covering the Gibraltar membership Kevin Coyne said:
“The ramping up of the rhetoric is unhelpful and will do nothing to help resolve this dispute.
“The peace and economic prosperity of Gibraltar and the neighbouring Spanish hinterland should be the priority of political leaders in Madrid, London and Gibraltar and, to this end, Unite and the two Spanish unions have called for dialogue and negotiation.”
Unite's members in Gibraltar work in health, local government, services, construction, logistics and engineering.
