Mallorca pensioners demand full pensions after 40 years

Palma, Mallorca: People who have paid pension contributions for 40 years or more still face cuts if they retired early. At a press conference on Tuesday, 29 September, pensioners’ groups from the General Union of Workers (UGT) and Workers’ Commissions (CCOO) demand full pensions for those affected.

Pedro Berruezo, who leads UGT’s pensioners’ federation in the Balearic Islands, says people should be able to retire after four decades of contributions without losing money.

Pensions and care

The unions also want pensions protected in Spain’s constitution. Berruezo calls for the gap between women’s and men’s pensions to close. After a working life, he says, older people should not struggle to pay for housing, food or care.

Mateu Bosch, who leads CCOO’s pensioners’ federation in the Balearic Islands, wants more support for people who need care, especially those with little money. The unions call for stronger home help, day centres and personal assistance, as well as shorter waits in public healthcare.

Housing and help without an app

Berruezo warns that the Balearic Islands lack homes designed for older people, with room for wheelchairs and adapted bathrooms. The unions also want face-to-face help to remain available at public offices, banks and essential services. They say a person should not lose access to their rights because they lack a smartphone, cannot use an app or have no internet connection.

UGT and CCOO are pressing for a nationwide law on older people’s rights, followed by measures in each autonomous community. They also want action on unwanted loneliness. For now, these remain demands: Berruezo says politicians voice support for the law but have yet to move it forward in the Balearic Islands.

Topics: Jobs & labour · Social affairs · Health · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com