Barcelona are set to face a new challenge in the ongoing construction works on the renovation of the Spotify Camp Nou.
As reported by BeSoccer, the Catalan giants are facing protests outside of their their stadium over ongoing dismissals.
Protestors camp outside Camp Nou
According to BeSoccer, a group of protestors led by the ‘Comisiones Obreras' Union (CCOO) have set up a protest camp outside of the Spotify Camp Nou due to the ongoing dismissals of stadium workers.
An indefinite camp last launched on Wednesday, announcing it would hold daily demonstrations on Joan XXIII Avenue between the stadium and La Masia – Barcelona's famous academy.
The group have reportedly stated that they will continue until a solution is reached for the “serious and escalating violation of labour rights” that is being claimed to be ongoing on the construction works.
According to the union, dismissals previously reported at subcontractor Ekstreme Works have now been joined by those from Ramstar, impacting another 30 workers.
It is stated by protestors that these employees worked on the Camp Nou project for months without receiving payment and were subsequently sacked after demanding their rights.
The Comisiones Obreras Union added that workers “Face pressure to immediately vacate the hostel where they have resided for nearly two years.”
What are the protesting unions demanding?
Among the CCOO's list of demands is immediate action and investigation from the local Labour Inspectorate, citing severe and ongoing breaches of labour laws and social security regulations.
The union have also urged Barcelona City Council to intervene and suspend the construction license should the above issues not be urgently remedied.
As further reported by BeSoccer, CCOO Catalonia's general secretary Belen Lopez has demanded that Barcelona “end the systematic irregularities and violations of labour rights occurring at its stadium's construction site.”
A November investigation by the Generalitat's Labour Inspectorate uncovered 79 immigration infractions classified as “very serious” in the Camp Nou construction site and proposed a fine above €1m, with the CCOO now urging for further audits and punishments for the club and its leading contractors.
FGG says: More delays likely in ongoing Camp Nou saga
Barcelona have been no strangers to delays and complications in their long-term Spotify Camp Nou renovation project, which will eventually take their home capacity over 100,000.
Indeed, the Catalan giants have already been held up by protests, workers strikes and other construction delays, as can be expected on a certain scale with a project the size of the Camp Nou work.
Further employment concerns and protests will only cause further issues, though, while doing nothing but harming the reputation of the club on such a public scale.