Under the previous regime, there existed in Spain the so called vertical unions, a corporative representation of the workers, controled by the Government.

In 1977, under the new regime, the trade unions were legalized and with their new status, intensified their work.

Article 28 of the Constitution states that the freedom to join a union and the right to strike, together with the exceptions to both righs, are the most important pillars for the development of the social and economic life of the country in a climate of freedom. This Article 28 must be interpreted in accordance with other articles of the Constitution. Among these are Article 7, which regulates relations between the unions and employers s associations, and 37, which guarantees the right to collective bargaining and recognizes the right of workers and employers to take labour dispute measures.

        The main Spanish unions are,

        GENERAL UNION OF WORKERS. UGT

        UNION CONFEDERATION OF WORKERS COMMISSIONS.CC.O0

        WORKERS UNION. USO

        NATIONAL LABOUR CONFEDERATION. CNT

        BASQUE WORKERS SOLIDARITY. ELA.STV

        INTERSINDICAL NACIONAL DE TRABALLADORES GALEGOS. I.N.T.G.