UniversidaddeCádiz

Specialists from across Spain analyse at UCA the challenges linked to disability, labour inclusion and social protection

The University of Cádiz inaugurated this Thursday the XXXVI Annual Congress of the Spanish Association of Labour and Social Security Law (AEDTSS) at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, a meeting that brings together specialists, researchers and professionals over two days to address some of the main legal and social challenges related to disability, inclusion in the workplace and social protection.

The opening ceremony was chaired by the Rector of the University of Cádiz, Casimiro Mantell, accompanied by the Mayor of Cádiz, Bruno García; the Deputy Government Delegate, Blanca Flores; the President of the AEDTSS, María Emilia Casas; and Professor Emeritus of Labour and Social Security Law at the University of Valencia, Tomás Sala Franco. In addition, the Secretary of State for Labour, Joaquín Pérez Rey, participated via videoconference.

The congress, organised by the AEDTSS in collaboration with the Department of Labour and Social Security Law at the University of Cádiz, focuses this year on the analysis of legal and social transformations linked to disability. The programme addresses issues such as equal opportunities, reasonable accommodations in employment, labour inclusion policies, social protection, and the impact of digitalisation and new forms of work organisation.

In line with the topic under discussion, the opening ceremony included a sign language interpreter. During his welcome speech, Rector Casimiro Mantell highlighted the role of the University of Cádiz as a space for academic and scientific exchange. He emphasised the unique setting of the university within the historic centre of the city and expressed his hope that attendees would enjoy both the congress and the city itself. He also underlined the institution’s satisfaction at hosting an event of this nature and becoming a meeting point for specialists in a field of significant social relevance.

In his virtual address, Joaquín Pérez Rey stressed the importance of the academic work carried out by universities in the design and development of public policies related to labour issues. He stated that the work developed within universities constitutes “the engine and necessary mechanism” for implementing labour-related public policies. He also praised the choice of theme for this year’s congress, particularly in a context marked by recent legislative reforms aimed at strengthening the protection of people with disabilities in the workplace.

For her part, María Emilia Casas thanked the University of Cádiz for hosting the event and highlighted the symbolism of holding the congress in a city closely linked to Spanish constitutional history. She also underlined the value of the Constitution as a guarantee of rights and defended the importance of continuing to strengthen legal frameworks focused on equality and inclusion.

Deputy Government Delegate Blanca Flores emphasised the relevance of addressing issues related to disability and labour inclusion, highlighting the legislative and social progress achieved in recent years. She pointed out that aspects that decades ago seemed “almost unthinkable” are now part of a reality aimed at guaranteeing dignified access to employment and reinforcing the protection of the most vulnerable groups.

Meanwhile, Mayor Bruno García described Cádiz as a city historically connected to dialogue, diversity and encounters. He highlighted the work carried out by those who research and work in the field of Labour and Social Security Law, particularly because of its social dimension. In this regard, he stated that “a society only progresses insofar as it is inclusive” and thanked the specialists participating in the congress for maintaining “that social perspective” in their work.

The opening session also included a lecture by University of Cádiz professor Eva Garrido, while Professor Tomás Sala Franco highlighted the relevance of the theme chosen for this edition and reflected on the breadth and complexity of the current challenges related to disability and the labour environment.

The scientific programme, which began on Thursday, includes keynote lectures, thematic panels, research presentations and specialised workshops focused on discrimination, employment policies, working conditions and Social Security benefits related to disability. The congress will conclude on Friday with the reading of the Cádiz Manifesto, which will summarise the main conclusions drawn from the working sessions. The closing event is expected to include the participation of the Secretary of State for Social Security and Pensions, Borja Suárez; the Dean of the UCA Faculty of Law, Isabel Villar; the Dean of the Faculty of Labour Sciences, Ignacio de Cuevillas; and María Emilia Casas.