UGT's General Secretary Pepe Álvarez Seeks Reelection for Final Term
Pepe Álvarez, the current General Secretary of UGT, announced on Thursday in Barcelona his intention to run for reelection for a third and final term at the 44th Federal Congress of the union, scheduled for November 25 to 27.
Born in March 1956 in Belmonte de Miranda, Asturias, Álvarez first assumed the role of General Secretary in March 2016, succeeding Cándido Méndez, who led the union for an impressive 22 years. Under Álvarez’s leadership, UGT has continued to navigate the complexities of labor rights in Spain, advocating for workers amid evolving economic landscapes.
He was reelected for a second term during the 43rd Federal Congress of UGT in May 2021. Now, with his candidacy for the upcoming congress, Álvarez aims to secure a third four-year term. However, the union's statutes impose a limit on the General Secretariat, restricting leaders to serve three terms — a rule established during the 41st Federal Congress held in April 2013. This limitation was introduced in response to prior practices that allowed indefinite terms, reflecting a shift towards more democratic governance within the union.
As the November congress approaches, the focus will be on Álvarez's achievements, the challenges faced by UGT under his leadership, and the vision he proposes for the future of the organization and the labor movement in Spain.
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