Trade unions and business organizations have expressed their sorrow over the death of the president of the CEOE Foundation and former Minister of Employment and Social Security, Fátima Báñez, who was traveling on the Iryo train that derailed this Wednesday in Urda (Toledo).
From CEOE they have expressed their "deepest sadness" and have wanted to convey "affection, support and condolences" to all the people close to Báñez. The employers’ association has emphasized that the former minister has been a "fundamental figure" in the modernization of the organization and of its Foundation since her arrival in 2020, likewise highlighting her "human quality, closeness and firm commitment to the values that have guided her life".
The president of the National Federation of Associations of Self-Employed Workers (ATA) and vice president of CEOE, Lorenzo Amor, has written on his X profile that "a great colleague and a better friend" is leaving and has highlighted that she has gone away "like the greats", "in the line of duty".
The Spanish Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises (Cepyme) has conveyed its "encouragement and support" to Báñez's family and friends and has stated that it joins the "pain of the Spanish business family".
Various territorial organizations of the employers’ association have also shared messages after learning of the death. The Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Andalusia (CEA), Báñez's home region, has expressed its "immense pain" and has highlighted her "commitment to Andalusia, her warmth and her values", which leave "an indelible mark".
Likewise, the president of the Madrid-CEOE Employers' Confederation, Miguel Garrido, has said that he weeps and prays for Báñez, whom he had learned over the last 8 years to know, respect, admire and love.
In the union sphere, the general secretary of UGT, Pepe Álvarez, has posted on X that he cannot find words to express "the sorrow and pain" over her death and has recalled that, although all lives have "the same value", when "negotiations and dialogue" have been shared they especially touch. He has also conveyed his "deepest condolences" to the family and to her colleagues at the CEOE Foundation.
On the other hand, CCOO has sent its condolences to Báñez's relatives and colleagues and has wished her to "rest in peace".
The USO union has likewise dedicated a few words to the former minister, extending its affection and condolences both to her loved ones and to all the members of the CEOE Foundation. "We keep a fond memory of her intervention in our XIII Congress," the organization has stated.