In 2008 and 2009, fairs in Catalonia generated 2,372 million euros and 30,000 workers, according to a study by the Universitat Pompeu Fabra. Despite the crisis, 2009 saw more fairs than 2008, and 441 are already planned for 2011.
The Barcelona International Boat Show begun last weekend and will run until the 14th of November. This year’s exhibit features ecological and sustainable boats.
The 28th edition of the Liber International Book Fair ends tomorrow in Barcelona. This year’s 3-day fair focuses on new technologies such as the Ipad, book tablets and other electronic reading material.
The Fira de Girona (Girona Trade Fair) has created a new website that opens fair doors for businesses all year round. The website already has 219 registered businesses and predicts 500 by the end of the year.
The Spanish Government has finally issued today the highly expected reform of the labour market. Companies will be able to fire employees after paying 33 days of compensation, from which the State will pay 8.
The two main trade unions have announced a general strike against the job market reform planned by the Spanish Government. This reform has been discussed among the trade unions, business associations and the Spanish Government for more than 2 years.
Government and unions clash over success of strike action. Official figures suggest 11% of participation while unions raise the figure up to 75%. The salary cuts within the public sector adopted by the Spanish Government have infuriated the unions.