Intense negotiations between union representatives and employers in the metallurgical sector have concluded in Barcelona. After 15 hours of talks, both parties reached a preliminary agreement that has led to the cancellation of the mass strikes planned for December. The new deal affects around 200,000 metalworking employees in the province and ensures a significant wage increase over the next three years.
Previously, at the end of October, workers had already taken to the streets demanding better working conditions and higher pay. These actions put serious pressure on employers and sped up the negotiation process. Now, thanks to the compromise reached, the sector has avoided further unrest, and employees have received guarantees on a number of key issues.
Wage increases and new guarantees
According to the agreement, workers’ wages in the sector will rise by 10% from 2025 to 2027. In the first year, salaries will increase by 4% retroactive to January 1; in the second and third years, by another 3% each. An important provision of the deal states that if inflation turns out to be higher, workers will be compensated for the difference to maintain their purchasing power.
The unions emphasize that this decision protects the interests of employees and prevents a decrease in real wages. In addition, during vacation periods, workers will receive all due bonuses and incentives, which had previously been a point of contention between the parties. Employers had insisted that salary increases should take into account existing allowances, but the unions succeeded in defending their position.
Improving working conditions and reducing working hours
The new agreement provides not only financial, but also social guarantees. In particular, annual working hours will be gradually reduced: by 2027, they will decrease by eight hours to a total of 1,742 hours. This measure aims to lessen the burden on employees and improve their quality of life.
Particular attention is given to occupational health and the prevention of work-related illnesses. The document includes additional measures to ensure workplace safety, which should reduce the number of accidents and improve overall employee wellbeing.
Additional benefits and social protection
Other new provisions include an expanded list of paid leaves and the introduction of new measures to protect against workplace violence, including gender-based violence. These points are the result of lengthy discussions and reflect modern standards for corporate social responsibility.
The preliminary agreement now needs to be approved at union delegate meetings. If it gets the green light, the new collective bargaining agreement will take effect at the beginning of 2025 and remain in force for three years. Workers in the sector hope these changes will set an example for other areas of the region’s economy.
