FeSMC-UGT Joins UNI Europa Property Services Conference to Address Private Security Labor Challenges
Representatives from the FeSMC-UGT private security and auxiliary services sector are attending the UNI Europa Property Services 2026 conference in Paris, held from June 24 to 26. The delegation, led by Diego Giráldez and María Victoria Embid, is meeting with European union leaders to coordinate strategies against labor precarity, social dumping, and the challenges posed by large multinational corporations.
Addressing Industry Challenges
The conference sessions, which began on June 25, focus on the labor realities of the private security and industrial cleaning sectors. According to reports presented by UNI Europa, these industries face common obstacles including personnel shortages, aging workforces, and the need for increased professionalization. Discussions centered on how to mitigate the power imbalance between globalized corporations and their employees through strengthened collective bargaining and the promotion of European works councils.
The conference serves as a platform for the UGT to advocate for the official recognition of private security as a profession rather than a basic job, a long-standing claim the union has brought before the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Political and Social Context
Participants analyzed the current European political landscape, noting an increase in populist movements that challenge established labor rights. Diego Giráldez, representing UGT Spain, emphasized that social progress is the result of collective action and social dialogue. He warned that the shift toward a cashless society in Europe could negatively impact employment in the cash-in-transit sector and threaten fundamental rights such as financial inclusion.
Samantha Carter notes that the focus on generational turnover and technological disruption reflects a broader trend in European service sectors. The push for early retirement for roles deemed hazardous, as requested by Giráldez, highlights the tension between maintaining operational staffing levels and addressing the physical demands placed on aging security personnel.
Future Outlook and Labor Strategy
Looking ahead, the delegation is likely to continue pushing for stricter oversight of companies that utilize labor precarity to gain competitive advantages in public and private contracting. As the conference concludes on June 26, participants are expected to formalize new lines of joint action. Potential future steps include an increased emphasis on transnational bargaining and the development of mechanisms to enforce social responsibility standards across multinational firms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is representing UGT Spain at the conference?
The delegation is composed of Diego Giráldez, the state head of the Private Security and Auxiliary Services sector for FeSMC-UGT, and María Victoria Embid, the international head of the same sector.
What is the primary goal of the UNI Europa Property Services 2026 conference?
The conference aims to reinforce international union cooperation and coordinate common strategies to address challenges such as labor precarity, social dumping, and the influence of large multinationals on labor relations.
What specific legislative change is UGT Spain seeking for the security sector?
Diego Giráldez has called for the recognition of early retirement for workers in the private security sector who perform duties under conditions of high responsibility, danger, and hardship.
How might the transition to a cashless economy reshape the future of the private security workforce in Europe?