An approach to the Economic and Social Council of Spain

Abstract

The Spanish Economic and Social Council is an advisory body to the Government on socio-economic and labour matters, whose existence has been demanded since the Spanish Constitution came into force in 1978. It is an institution that plays an essential role in shaping the country's economic, labour and social policies. Created by Law 21/1991, the CES is conceived as an institutional forum for the main economic and social actors —business organisations, trade unions and other representatives of civil society— to meet with the aim of promoting dialogue, consensus and participation in public affairs.

Social dialogue, closely linked to the work of the CES, is one of the fundamental pillars of the Spanish democratic model. Through negotiation and cooperation between the government, trade unions and business organisations, agreements are sought that promote economic stability, improved working conditions and social welfare. This process of social consultation has been decisive in consolidating democracy and managing the country's major socio-economic transformations. Together, both the ESC and social dialogue are essential instruments for strengthening social cohesion, improving the quality of public policies and ensuring that economic decisions respond to the general interests of citizens.

This paper analyses the role of social dialogue in Spain since the first democratic elections after the Franco dictatorship and the main agreements reached in socioeconomic matters. It also examines the constitutional basis for the creation of the National Economic and Social Council and provides a detailed study of the institution, its composition, structure, functions and nature. Finally, it analyses the relationship between the national ESC and the regional ESCs.