Madrid, 16/06/2007
To be checked against delivery
As a student of Spanish history, and an admirer of the role played by the UGT and the Socialist Party throughout Spain's modern history, it is with great pleasure that I join these celebrations to honour the 80th birthday of Nicolas Redondo and his marvellous contribution to trade unionism.
Trade unionism and the UGT were at the heart of opposition to the Franco regime and at the heart of modern Spain - a different Spain; a democratic Spain; a prosperous and successful Spain; a Spain anchored firmly in the European Union.
The UGT and Nicolas have played a full part in that transformation.
It was not easy. For example, I know that ending the formal links between the Union and the Socialist Party was difficult for everyone and very painful for many. There is so much shared history, so many close relations. They were brilliantly described by President Zapatero in his moving speech at the ETUC Congress in Seville.
Nicolas exemplified the shared values and history as much as anyone. But he could see further - that in a democracy when the people of Spain decide that another party is their preference, that has to be recognised and respected. That is, after all, what democracy is about, dealing with opponents, not just your friends.
And the results are clear in the new Spain. All the Spanish politicians I meet in Brussels - right or left - honour the role played by the UGT and CC.OO in the Spanish renaissance. Most, too, support a stronger Social Europe, and more union and worker influence in the European Union. That is a major achievement given the tragically polarised history of the first 75 years of Spain in the 20th century.
Nicolas has been central to that. We in the ETUC are proud of what he did and of what he represents. We are proud of the UGT and our very recent President, Candido Mendez, who is universally respected in the ETUC.
And we are proud too of CC.OO. Candido and I agreed that Jose Maria Fidalgo gave one of the very finest trade union, pro European speeches at the Congress in Seville that either of us had ever heard.
So with respect, affection and admiration, I congratulate Spanish trade unionism on its achievements. I honour Nicolas on his 80th birthday and I honour his contribution as a great builder of modern trade unionism and of the impressive, modern Spain.