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Madrid – The UGT union has launched a formal consultation process with workers in Spain’s insurance sector following its rejection of a pre-agreement reached between CCOO and the employer association Unespa. The move comes after a protest held Thursday outside Unespa headquarters, where UGT members voiced concerns over the proposed collective bargaining agreement.

UGT officials state the pre-agreement, negotiated by CCOO, fails to adequately address wage concerns and falls short of the needs of the sector. Specifically, UGT is critical of provisions related to the minimum wage, arguing the agreement does not sufficiently guarantee improvements for lower-paid workers. “The insurance sector needs an agreement that reflects its size, productivity, and strategic importance,” a UGT statement released today read.

The union accuses CCOO of prioritizing a deal over the concerns of its members, alleging a lack of consultation with workers before finalizing the pre-agreement. UGT contends that the proposed wage increases are “almost impossible to achieve” and that many of the rights outlined in the agreement are merely restatements of existing labor laws.

“We are facing a situation where a union that defines itself as ‘majority’ is responsible for losing a historic opportunity to improve the collective bargaining agreement for the sector, without having previously listened to the opinion of the workforce,” the UGT statement continued.

The consultation process will involve explaining the details of the pre-agreement to workers, outlining the potential implications, and gathering direct feedback. UGT has pledged to base its final decision on the outcome of this consultation, emphasizing its commitment to representing the interests of its members.

The pre-agreement reached by CCOO with Unespa includes a 3.5% wage increase for 2025, retroactive to January 1, 2024, and contemplates further increases for 2026, 2027, and 2028 tied to both GDP and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). CCOO estimates this would result in a cumulative wage increase of between 10.5% and 11.1% over the four-year period. However, UGT maintains that this does not adequately address past wage stagnation and the necessitate to restore purchasing power.

The collective bargaining agreement affects more than 52,000 workers in insurance companies and a portion of the 23,000 workers in mutual insurance societies.

As of this afternoon, Unespa and CCOO have not publicly responded to UGT’s criticisms or the announcement of the consultation process.

Public health officials are closely monitoring a growing number of measles cases across several states, with significant outbreaks reported in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida. The escalating situation underscores the continued vulnerability to preventable diseases and highlights the importance of vaccination efforts. As of Friday, February 20, 2026, South Carolina has reported a total of 962 measles cases, marking a substantial increase in recent weeks.

The outbreaks are not isolated incidents. North Carolina has confirmed two new measles cases directly linked to the South Carolina outbreak, prompting the state’s Department of Health to launch a dedicated measles dashboard to track the spread of the virus and provide updated information to the public. The situation is raising concerns about potential further transmission and the strain on healthcare resources.

South Carolina Leads in Cases, Clemson University Reports Confirmed Case

The majority of reported cases are concentrated in South Carolina, where the outbreak has been ongoing for several months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively working with state and local health departments to investigate the source of the outbreak and implement control measures. A confirmed case has also been identified on the main campus of Clemson University, adding another layer of complexity to the response. Health officials are urging students, faculty, and staff to ensure they are up-to-date on their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations.

Florida Outbreak at Ave Maria University

Further south, Ave Maria University in Florida is experiencing its own measles outbreak, with 11 confirmed cases and three hospitalizations reported. This outbreak is separate from the situation in the Carolinas, indicating multiple, independent sources of transmission. The university is working with the Florida Department of Health to contain the spread of the virus and protect the campus community. The rise in cases nationally is prompting renewed calls for increased vaccination rates and improved public health infrastructure.

North Carolina’s Response and Public Health Literacy

In response to the growing threat, North Carolina has not only launched a measles dashboard – accessible to the public for real-time updates – but is also emphasizing public health literacy. The CDC has ongoing health literacy activities by state, aiming to improve understanding of vaccination and disease prevention. This includes initiatives to address misinformation and promote informed decision-making regarding public health measures. The dashboard provides critical data on case counts, geographic distribution, and vaccination rates, empowering residents to grab proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities.

The current outbreaks serve as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage rates to achieve herd immunity. Measles is a highly contagious virus, and even a minor decline in vaccination rates can lead to outbreaks and set vulnerable populations at risk. Public health officials continue to emphasize that the MMR vaccine is safe and effective in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella.

Looking ahead, continued monitoring of these outbreaks, coupled with robust vaccination campaigns and public health education efforts, will be crucial in mitigating the spread of measles and protecting communities across the country. The situation remains fluid, and health officials will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

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