A new round of negotiations has begun in Spain between representatives of public employees and the Ministry of Civil Service. On the agenda is the issue of long-term pay increases for more than 3.5 million public sector workers. Authorities are proposing a system where salaries would rise each year to keep pace with inflation and maintain employeesβ real purchasing power.
The new scheme is expected to run from 2026 to 2028. Unlike previous agreements, the discussion now includes not only a fixed increase but also a variable component tied to the countryβs economic performance. This approach has been used before, when part of the indexation was linked to price growth and GDP dynamics. However, this time the unions are insisting that 2025 should not become a year of pay freezes and are demanding clear guarantees for working conditions and social rights.
No specific figures have been announced yet, but both sides emphasize that pay raises must at least match the rate of inflation. Final parameters will be discussed at the next meeting, scheduled for November. Union representatives point out that the slow negotiations are due to uncertainty over new state budgets and political disagreements in parliament.
Among the additional demands are better retirement conditions, a shorter workweek, and more opportunities for remote work. The unions are also insisting that any agreements should be retroactive and apply throughout 2025. If no compromise is reached, large-scale protests cannot be ruled out.
The ministry, in turn, has announced its intention not only to raise salaries, but also to continue reforms aimed at strengthening workers’ rights and further developing the sector’s organizational structure. The final agreement is expected to address a wide range of issues, including employment structure and guarantees for employees.
