Antonio Postigo, along with his wife Francisca and their 11 children, had never lacked for anything until their world collapsed in 1969 due to a political decision. They were able to meet their needs, without luxuries, thanks to the jobs that Antonio had in Gibraltar and La Línea. However, everything changed when the Franco regime decided to close the border with the Rock in 1969, forcing the Postigo family to pack up and emigrate to Barcelona. This family history haunts Javier Postigo, Antonio’s grandson, who is fearful that a similar calamity could happen again. Javier, who works in the healthcare sector in Gibraltar, is one of the 15,000 cross-border workers increasingly desperate due to the lack of a post-Brexit agreement with the British colony.
Despite more than eight years passing since the UK voted to leave the European Union, and nearly four years since the transitional agreement that cushioned the consequences of a hard Brexit, there is still no definitive agreement in place. This has led to growing frustration in La Línea, a city of 63,000 inhabitants, prompting a massive protest march with the slogan “La Línea counts. We are not invisible.” The recent suspension of current transitional agreements and the beginning of passport checks for Gibraltarians and British residents by Spanish police caused chaos at the border, highlighting the potential consequences of a no-deal situation.
The Mayor of La Línea, Juan Franco, expressed concern over the lack of stability and clarity regarding the agreement, as well as the potential impact on the city’s economy and residents. The Association of Cross-Border Workers (Ascteg) has been advocating for the protection of their interests and the need for a unified front to defend against the uncertainties of Brexit. Despite previous protests and appeals for special consideration for La Línea, the situation remains precarious for the city and its residents, prompting fears of increased unemployment and economic hardship.
As negotiations continue between Spain and the UK, the uncertainty in La Línea is palpable. Recent border disruptions have forced the police to increase passport renewal appointments due to fears of further issues. Cross-border worker Postigo worries about the fate of the 15,000 individuals like him if another crisis were to occur. He hopes for a resolution that truly benefits all parties involved and provides a sustainable future for cross-border workers and their families. The ongoing struggle and lack of concrete solutions have left many in La Línea feeling vulnerable and overlooked in the Brexit negotiations.
