‘We have to fight for our rights’: Spanish female footballers set to strike over part-time contract dispute

Out of around 200 players from across the first division, 93% voted in favour of striking next month

Female footballers in Spain have voted to go on strike after collective negotiations with clubs broke down after a protracted dispute over part-time contracts and minimum salaries.

After months of discussions, 93% of around 200 players spanning the 16 clubs that compete in the first division voted in favour of striking at a meeting in Madrid, which is set to begin after the international break in November.

“We are footballers 24 hours a day, 100% of the time,” Athletic Bilbao captain, Ainhoa Tirapu, said in response to clubs’ decision to limit working hours to 20-per-week. “We had to take drastic measures, negotiating alone was not enough. We have to seek a better future. We have to fight for our rights.”

In a statement released by AFE, Spain’s players’ union, she added: “We asked for minimum rights as workers, we have battled to achieve it.

“It’s not just money – we have lowered our red lines, but nothing has been achieved. Now we can fight and we are paving the way for other players. We must not be inactive and fight for our rights.”

A strike was mooted towards the end of last season with 18 meetings taking place as the collective parties attempted to come to an agreement.

The stumbling block as been an amicable resolution over part-time contracts, with players demanding a minimum wage of €12,000; 75% of their full-time salary. However, the clubs claim such contracts should only be worth 50% of the full-time salary; €8,000.

The AFE also wants to increase the minimum salary for players from €16,000 to €20,000-per-year.

“We go on about how good women footballers are and we have to give them what they deserve,” said David Aganzo, president of the AFE. “We have to respect women. They should have rights commensurate with their obligations.”

Any strike could impact the Women’s Champions League, with Atletico Madrid due to face Manchester City in the second-leg of their last-16 tie next week.