Andorra Union Leader Gabriel Ubach Dies at 62 from Pancreatic Cancer

Gabriel Ubach, the longtime general secretary of Andorra's Unión Sindical d'Andorra (USdA), has died at the age of 62 from pancreatic cancer. He passed away at Meritxell Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for months.

Born in 1964, Ubach worked in public administration, mainly with the customs service, before retiring. He led the USdA for 27 years since its founding in 1999, becoming a central figure in Andorran unionism. The group began by supporting public sector workers before extending to private sector employees.

In recent years, he campaigned for wage rises across sectors and addressed the housing shortage. Admitted to hospital in August as his health worsened, he shifted to palliative care when chemotherapy became impossible due to complications. In an Altaveu interview from his hospital bed, he spoke of facing death with composure, rejecting extended suffering and urging others to defend their rights.

Known for sharp criticism of officials and businesses, Ubach once said politicians acted as if workers should live "from Coll de Nargó downwards," accused employers of asserting a "right to thigh," and called Andorra "Pacheca's corral." He embraced his combative reputation, noting that safeguarding people might make him a "bad Andorrà" in some eyes.

He also headed the Customs Union and public sector bodies, resisting pension reforms under Toni Martí's administration. Ubach ran unsuccessfully for Citizen's Ombudsman, blaming his frank views on the role for the defeat.

His death has prompted widespread tributes across Andorran society. The Confederació Empresarial Andorrana (CEA) expressed condolences to his family and USdA colleagues, praising Ubach as a prominent defender of workers' interests and a regular in social dialogue forums. CEA president Gerard Cadena highlighted their frequent negotiations from differing positions, yet marked by dialogue and shared agreements. He noted Ubach's commitment and perseverance would endure beyond disagreements, leaving a void in union circles.

Government and political figures voiced sorrow. Ladislau Baró, Minister of Institutional Relations and Demòcrates president, called it a major loss for unionism and civil society, praising Ubach's personal warmth despite public disagreements. Cerni Escalé of Concòrdia described him as one of Andorra's standout civil society figures over three decades, urging public recognition and continued bold advocacy. Pere Baró of PS deemed the loss irreparable, recalling Ubach as a friend dedicated to decent living and work conditions in Andorra, and called for institutional honors.

Union colleagues mourned deeply. Verònica Sánchez of the Customs Officials' Union thanked him as a founder and fighter. Salustià Chato of Sipaag remembered their shared customs union origins and recent talks. Sergi Teixeira of the Andorran Prison Union named Ubach a key inspiration alongside others, crediting him with encouragement to speak plainly for workers. He suggested public honors like a street or statue, warning the USdA's future would prove challenging without him.

Marcel Hernàndez of Andorra al Límit, the housing rights movement, hailed Ubach as an essential early ally who lent legitimacy to their cause, linking labor and housing struggles for dignity.

Ubach's departure leaves the USdA without its founding voice and Andorra short of a tireless workers' advocate.