Prolonged negotiations between employee and employer representatives in Catalonia’s restaurant and hospitality sector have come to an end. After months of disputes and concerns over a potential strike, the parties reached a preliminary agreement on a significant wage increase. Salaries across the industry are set to rise by 15% between 2025 and 2028, a decision that will affect around 200,000 workers in the sector.
For a long time, negotiations were stalled due to business uncertainty surrounding a proposed legislative reduction of the workweek. However, after several meetings and with the involvement of the regional government, a compromise was reached. Under the new terms, wages will increase by 4% annually in 2025, 2026, and 2027, with an additional 3% rise in 2028.
Agreement details
The new collective agreement not only provides for wage increases but also introduces several other changes that workers in the sector have long awaited. Notably, it will now cover all businesses serving food and beverages for on-site consumption or on terraces. This means even small establishments, cafés, and subcontracted operations will be required to comply with the new rules.
Another significant point is the extension of the annual vacation period. Employees will now be entitled to 31 days of leave per year, a few days more than before. This change is especially relevant for those working under high seasonal demand and irregular schedules.
The Role of Unions and Authorities
The largest union in the region played a leading role in the negotiations, having pressed for months for higher wages and better working conditions. Union representatives note that the compromise was reached thanks to the active involvement of the Generalitat de Catalunya, which acted as a mediator between the parties.
The union emphasizes that this agreement paves the way for restoring workers’ purchasing power, which has sharply declined in recent years. The document also establishes labor guarantees that had been absent in the industry for more than two decades.
Next Steps
Although the parties have reached a preliminary agreement, the final approval of the document is still pending. In the near future, the draft agreement will be submitted for review and a vote by industry workers. Only after this will the new conditions take effect starting January 1 of next year.
Experts note that this compromise could serve as an example for other regions of Spain, where negotiations on salary increases and improved working conditions in the service sector are also underway. In Catalonia, this agreement is already being hailed as one of the most significant in recent years for restaurant, bar, and café workers.
