Spanish Civil War Memory Project

Summary

Josep Bel was born in the town of San Andrés, outside of Barcelona. Josep relates his childhood experiences in a relatively progressive school. He explains that his teachers and classmates exposed him to anti-Franco sentiment and leftist politics. Josep recounts his initial interest in politics, which was eventually repressed during his studies in a more conservative school. He narrates his experience carrying out military service. Josep recalls that he began working for Telefónica afterward. He tells of becoming involved with the Confederación Sindical de Comisiones Obreras (Trade Union Confederation of Labor Commissions, CCOO) at Telefónica. Josep details his participation in syndicate activities, such as elections, meetings, and strikes against the company. He notes the internal conflicts that led to his break with CCOO. Josep describes the formation of the Sindicato de Comisiones de Base (Trade Union of Base Commissions) and discusses his role in the syndicate