Sargadelos Under Scrutiny: Owner Admits Irregularities and Announces Unexpected Vacation

The Sargadelos ceramics factory in Cervo, Lugo, is currently embroiled in controversy as its owner, Segismundo García, acknowledges a series of irregularities within the plant. This situation is unfolding amidst an ongoing dispute with labor inspectors, who have raised concerns about worker safety. As reported by María Fernández (El País, 2025), approximately 70 employees found themselves locked out of the factory, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.

The Heart of the Matter: Safety Deficiencies

The core of the issue revolves around the factory's alleged failure to comply with essential safety standards. The labor inspection has mandated the use of masks and protective gear for employees, particularly following a silicosis diagnosis and the investigation of another potential case linked to crystalline silica exposure – a known carcinogen. According to El País (2025), the initial inspection resulted in a €5,000 fine and a directive to rectify 36 identified deficiencies. Despite the Ministry's assertion that these issues could be resolved without a complete shutdown, García has opted for a more drastic approach.

Owner's Perspective: Frustration and Defiance

García, in a statement provided to El País (2025), expresses his frustration with the repeated inspections. He questions the practicality of implementing protective measures in a factory that welcomes numerous daily visitors, citing its status as a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest). «Are we going to put PPE and masks on the 40 people who come here every day?» he asks, suggesting a conflict between preserving the factory's appeal to tourists and ensuring worker safety. This defiant stance signals a potential showdown with labor authorities.

Unexpected Revelations: A Catalogue of Issues

Adding fuel to the fire, García's statement includes a detailed list of further irregularities, some of which he claims were overlooked by the labor inspector. These include:

  • Potential asbestos exposure from the factory's roofing.
  • Lack of fire-resistant suits for workers operating high-temperature kilns.
  • Slippery flooring posing a risk of falls and injuries.
  • Inadequate computer equipment leading to eye strain for administrative staff.
  • Lack of air conditioning, causing discomfort during extreme temperatures.
  • Substandard chairs failing to provide adequate ergonomic support.
  • Non-compliant doors and windows.
  • Defective wooden walkways that could hinder evacuation in case of fire.
  • Poor drainage and excessive noise in the paste manufacturing department.

According to El País (2025), García also raises concerns about management practices, alleging that directors work excessive hours without overtime pay and are frequently contacted after hours for work-related matters. In light of these issues, García has declared a week-long vacation for the production plant in Cervo, pending resolution of the deficiencies.

Union Response: A Calculated Closure

The CIG union, represented by Xorge Caldeiro, has condemned the move as a «lockout,» suggesting that the factory's closure is a strategic maneuver by the owner. Caldeiro argues that if the inspection had identified an imminent risk to worker health, it would have ordered the factory's closure directly. José Antonio Zan, from CC OO, further highlights the company's offer to allow employees to return to work next week «under their own responsibility,» which he deems inappropriate given the employer's responsibility for ensuring safety measures. According to El País (2025), Sargadelos employs 242 people, 80% of whom are women, and lacks both a company committee and union representatives due to a lack of candidates in recent elections.

Government Intervention: Seeking Dialogue

The Ministry of Labor and Social Economy has requested an urgent meeting with the Sargadelos group's management, recognizing the significance of the situation for Galicia's economy and cultural heritage. According to El País (2025), the Ministry emphasizes the far-reaching consequences of the company's decisions. Meanwhile, the Xunta de Galicia's Department of Labor has called for calm, stating that the identified deficiencies are «remediable and within the time frame for resolution,» as reported by El País (2025). José González, conselleiro of Traballo, called for clam pointing that «deficiencies found are fixable»

Context and Background: Sargadelos' History

Sargadelos, largely owned by Segismundo García (93%), consists of the Fábrica de Cerámica del Castro, Fábrica de Cerámica de Sargadelos, and Porcelana de Sargadelos. García took over the company in 2014 after it faced bankruptcy proceedings under previous management. In recent years, the company has reported revenues between €12 and €14 million with profits. The situation is still developing, and it is unclear what measures will be taken to address the safety concerns at the factory and ensure the well-being of its employees.

The Silent Threat: Silicosis in Galicia

Silicosis, an irreversible respiratory disease, has been officially recognized as the foremost incurable occupational illness in Spain, affecting nearly 5,900 individuals since 2007. It is important to know that Galicia stands out as the region with the highest incidence, recording 1,901 cases between 1990 and 2023. This makes the silicosis’s problematics very importan for Galicia (Fernández, 2025).

According to El País (2025), experts from the SITSS labor inspector syndicate point out that, while not commenting directly on this case, the illness stems from inhaling crystalline silica, found naturally and widely used in construction materials. The primary preventative methods include working in humid conditions and implementing systems to avoid inhalation of the silica particles. The protection of the silicosis are masks FFP3 «If we are exposed to other chemicals, a filter will be used.», SITSS experts said.

References

Fernández, M. (2025, April 4). El dueño de Sargadelos admite numerosas irregularidades en la fábrica de Lugo y decreta una semana de vacaciones. El País. Retrieved from https://elpais.com/economia/2025-04-04/el-dueno-de-sargadelos-admite-numerosas-irregularidades-en-la-fabrica-de-lugo-y-decreta-una-semana-de-vacaciones.html