Sant Joan Market Sellers: Fighting for the Right to Trade

An Acquired Right

Former sellers at the Sant Joan flea market have found themselves on the sidelines, excluded from the newly awarded stalls. They are demanding the reinstatement of their weekly stalls, a right they believe they have acquired through years of dedication and service. Frustrated and determined, they have appealed to the City Council, and their response will determine the next steps these vendors take. While they hope for an amicable resolution, they are prepared to take legal action if their demands are not met.

Excluded Sellers Rally

Yesterday, former Sant Joan market sellers, who were excluded from the recent market award, organized yet another protest. They are determined to reclaim their positions and have taken to the streets to make their voices heard. This group is eagerly awaiting the response of the Sant Joan City Council to their friendly appeal, which questions the fairness of the selection process. However, they are not ruling out legal action if their appeal is not satisfactorily addressed.

Unfair Selection Criteria

The Sant Joan Town Hall closed the market in September last year to revamp its municipal ordinance. During the selection process, residents of the municipality were favored with a higher score, receiving 20 points out of 100, compared to the 10 points awarded for seniority. This selection criteria has drawn severe criticism from the excluded vendors.

“We understand that this fact is discriminatory and does not comply with European regulations because it is a non-sedentary commercial activity,” Podesta stressed. The selection process has led to the exclusion of vendors who have been a part of this market for years, in favor of residents who have never participated before.

Controversial Criteria

Apart from the residency factor, 40% of the score depended on the type of product to be sold. This aspect of the criteria has sparked further controversy. Vendors argue that aspects like originality cannot be measured objectively. This has created a sense of unfairness among those affected.

Podesta reminds us that the sellers’ association had already warned about the arbitrary and unfair nature of these conditions. However, they decided not to pursue the matter further, hoping that the City Council would be reasonable. “The mayor told us not to look for problems where there were none,” Podesta laments.

A Shrinking Marketplace

Following the selection process, which awarded 95 positions, initially, 30 former sellers were left out. However, approximately five of them rejoined after others resigned. A remaining 14 have been placed on an alternate list. Among those most affected are nine senior sellers who have been entirely excluded. They have filed a friendly appeal with the City Council and are currently awaiting a meeting with their lawyer to discuss the situation. If an agreement is not reached, they are prepared to file an administrative contentious appeal in pursuit of justice.

The battle for the right to trade continues for these former sellers in Sant Joan. As they await a response from the City Council, their determination remains unwavering. The outcome of this struggle will determine whether they can return to the stalls they have considered their own for so many years.