Half a century of labour rebellion in Andalusia: the SOC celebrates its 50th anniversary this month in Marinaleda

This month marks the 50th anniversary of the Sociedad de Obreros del Campo (SOC), a labor union founded in 1976 in Andalusia, Spain. The organization will commemorate its golden jubilee with events scheduled for August 28 and 29 in Marinaleda, a town known for its historical ties to agricultural workers' movements. The celebration comes amid reflections on the union's legacy, which has shaped rural labor rights and regional identity over five decades. The SOC was established on August 1, 1976, following the formation of a committee in Antequera that prepared the constituent assembly of the union. Meetings were initially held in a convent due to the political climate and security concerns of the time. Paco Casero, who served as the union’s first secretary general under the leadership of Gonzalo Sánchez, recalled these early days. Alongside Casero, other key figures helped shape the SOC, including Diamantino García, a priest associated with worker movements, Diego Cañamero, and Pepi Conde, one of the few women in the founding group. Casero, now president of the Savia Foundation, emphasized the SOC’s role in Andalusian history. He noted that the union did more than fight for the dignity and rights of agricultural workers, it also supported broader regional autonomy efforts. The flag of Andalusia was prominently displayed during protests and demonstrations, and the SOC backed the hunger strike led by Rafael Escudero, a prominent figure in the region’s independence movement. Lebrija, a small town in Seville province, played a pivotal role in the early years of the SOC. Casero described it as a "bastion of rupture," crediting its residents for their contributions to the union’s growth. Over time, the movement expanded into surrounding areas such as the Sierra Sur of Seville, the Campiña, and the Sierra of Cádiz. Despite this expansion, Casero expressed disappointment with the lack of institutional recognition for the SOC’s efforts. He pointed out that while Andalusia leads Europe in organic agriculture, there has been little acknowledgment of the union’s role in achieving such progress. Casero rejected two offers of the Medal of Andalusia, citing the perceived neglect of the SOC’s historical struggle. Pepi Conde, a member of the SOC’s founding executive, recounted her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated environment. Born in 1945 in Almonte, Huelva, she began working in agriculture at age 11 as the eldest of five siblings. Her father’s wages were insufficient to support the family, leaving her with no choice but to enter the workforce. Conde joined the Comisiones Jornaleras, a precursor to the SOC, and later became part of the union’s initial leadership. She described her activism as both challenging and necessary, especially given the oppressive conditions of the Franco regime. Conde worked in olive groves and one of the first strawberry farms in Huelva, organizing mobilizations across towns such as Chucena, Hinojos, and Bollullos del Condado. At 18, she moved to Seville, continuing her work in advocacy. One of her earliest achievements was securing the right to agricultural cards for women, many of whom had limited time in the fields due to domestic responsibilities. Nearly 300 women participated in strikes to demand this right, highlighting the gendered challenges they faced within the labor movement. Despite her contributions, Conde faced criticism from some women who viewed her actions as disruptive. She acknowledged the pressure but remained resolute in her commitment to change. Her story underscores the complex dynamics within the SOC, where women like Conde navigated both external repression and internal resistance to challenge traditional roles. As the SOC prepares for its 50th anniversary, members reflect on past struggles and current realities. The union continues to advocate for rural workers, though its influence has waned compared to earlier decades. Events in Marinaleda aim to honor the legacy of those who built the organization, ensuring their stories remain part of Andalusian history.