The strike committee and representatives of the company Baiko met this Thursday to try to find a solution to the conflict. The pelotaris have explained that they have been able to discuss "in depth" some points of the Basque pelotari and have pointed out that "an approach is possible" to the proposal. "However, the company has not yet made any offer to the strike committee and, in that case, there are not enough reasons to disrupt the strike," he said.

The Pelotaris have stressed that many of the demands are not economic and that the company has not made any offer even for these points. "It is clear that this is not an economic problem, but a problem of will," they said. "We have already said this before, we do not want this negotiation to become a legal battle, but violations of the right to strike are accumulating," he added. They have therefore decided to submit a new call for strike action on 30 and 31 October and 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 and 30 November.

They have also pointed out that they will not join the initiative led by Aimar Olaizola, Mikel Urrutikoetxea, Joseba Ezkurdia and Jokin Altuna. "From the very beginning, we have defended the need for a participatory partnership, which will accommodate all the pelotars in the sector, which will not set a deadline for joining the partnership and which will not decide on the executive positions for taxation. That is why they will always accompany us in order to create a partnership and defend our rights and needs as a collective. Of course, this partnership that we defend must be a democratic participation, the statutes must be agreed between the whole collective, the objectives that are intended to be achieved among all, and the election by voting of the direction, constitution, forms of operation and decision-making procedures of the association".

In any case, they consider that it is "good news" that Baiko and EPEL have made a reflection and have acknowledged "the legitimacy" of the demands they are making as a collective. "We hope that this attitude will be reflected in the meetings that will be held with the strike committee in the coming days so that we can unconvene the strike and be able to return to work this very weekend."

Yes: "It is essential to unconvene the strike"

"Following a meeting with the Strike Committee, Baiko Pilota wishes to stress that unfortunately the two sides are far from a possible agreement," the company's statement to the network reads. "Baiko Pilota has shown his willingness to take steps, as long as it is in keeping with the current economic crisis. However, the strike committee maintains its initial approach. It is essential to disconvene the strike to start working with the representatives of all workers in a relaxed atmosphere and with a constructive and respectful dialogue".

The company has pointed out that "in this situation of economic and health crisis, it cannot assume the extra cost of the demands of the Strike Committee". This would entail an increase of approximately 22.5% of the company's expenses."

Weekend matches, at ETB1

Meanwhile, Baiko and Aspe continue to host matches. During the weekend, for example, three festivals will be held in Asteasu, Amurrio and Tolosa, among others.

Following the agreement between ETB and the company Bainet, which manages the EPEL League television rights, the three festivals will be broadcast by ETB1.

On the other hand, the individual tournament that was to start at the weekend will be postponed throughout the day.