José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero attended today the closing session of the UGT Metal Sector Federal Conference, held in Pamplona. He pointed out what is important is not just emerging from the crisis a quarter earlier or later, but being able to say two things once it is overcome: “Firstly, that we have emerged together. And secondly, that social rights and employees’ rights have not been diminished but strengthened instead.”

Rodríguez Zapatero stated he will act with the same level of determination as he did when extending social rights. It is about changing the productive model, whilst maintaining social cohesion.

The President reminded delegates that, thanks to the consensus and a responsible attitude amongst workers and trade unions, some sectors, such as the car industry, have a guaranteed future and stability. On this point, Rodríguez Zapatero delivered a message of support to Opel workers in Figueruelas, and reminded them the government has allocated a significant volume of public resources to save these sectors.

Where the current situation in the construction sector is concerned, the President advocated a new model for developing construction and the residential property sector, fostering leasing and orderly development.

The President of the Government stressed the importance of social dialogue and consensus and recognised those sectors with robust trade unions had reached agreements which save companies. Likewise, in areas where there is scarce union representation there have been greater job losses. As such, he encouraged trade unions to continue broadening their membership.

Rodríguez Zapatero also reiterated it is important to make an effort to strengthen social policies, improve pensions, the minimum wage, grants and the laws on Equality and Dependency, amongst other matters.

“We are about to emerge from the economic crisis –the President said – and the main objective now is creating employment.” As such, he encouraged social partners to make new proposals and adopt new measures representing, above all, support for young workers, this is, the people who are suffering most in this crisis.

Consequently, the President of the Government announced the presentation of the new Sustainable Economy Act, as a fundamental instrument to maximize initiatives aiming at replacing the current productive model. This new piece of legislation will include the guidelines for such replacement. Mr. Rodríguez Zapatero has sought to involve autonomous regions in the implementation of this new model. Therefore, a Conference where the President of the Government and the Presidents of autonomous regions will take part is to be held shortly.

Mr. Rodriguez Zapatero stated that “Institutional collaboration with the autonomous regions is required in order to maintain investment, whilst reminding that investment in R+D+I in Spain has tripled over the last three years.