A massive strike looms over Guadalajara’s logistics sector after nine months of failed negotiations. Unions demand a 6% pay rise, shorter annual hours, and limits on temporary agency staff. The dispute could disrupt a quarter of the province’s economy.
More than 45,000 logistics workers in Guadalajara are preparing to strike, a move that could bring one of Spain’s main distribution centers to a halt. The walkout is scheduled for 21 September, following nine months of stalled talks between unions and employers over pay, working hours, and the use of temporary agency staff. Regional media and RTVE Castilla-La Mancha report that negotiations have failed to produce a new collective agreement.
The main union, FeSMC-UGT, is calling for a 6% wage increase, fewer annual working hours, and tighter restrictions on hiring through temporary employment agencies (ETT). Employers have countered with a smaller offer: a 3.5% raise in 2026, then 3% in 2027 and 2028. No deal has been reached, and the threat of a strike now hangs over the sector. The union also wants to cut the current annual working time of 1,800 hours and limit temporary contracts, as confirmed by FeSMC-UGT and reported by CLMPress.
Logistics is a major part of Guadalajara’s economy. Union estimates say it makes up about 25% of the province’s economic activity and nearly 10% of the GDP of Castilla-La Mancha. The region is packed with warehouses and distribution centers for large national and international companies, so any disruption would quickly affect supply chains across Spain. Sector analysts say the scale of this dispute makes it especially sensitive for the area’s warehouse and distribution network.
Union leaders argue that letting companies fill more than half their workforce with ETT contracts weakens job security and working conditions. They also point to rising rates of musculoskeletal injuries and sick leave, blaming high productivity targets and algorithm-driven work pacing. The union wants more direct, permanent contracts and an end to what they call the casualization of the workforce. FeSMC-UGT says the use of temporary agencies is now a central issue, with unions demanding stricter controls to protect permanent jobs.
Employers have so far refused to meet these demands. The current agreement sets annual working time at 1,800 hours, but UGT wants this reduced and an extra bonus payment added. Employers have not moved on these points, leaving talks at a standstill. According to Cadena SER, the latest offer from employers is still a 3.5% increase in 2026 and 3% in the following years, which both UGT and CCOO say is not enough.
Participation in the strike is voluntary, but even partial support could cause major delays and bottlenecks. Spanish law protects employees’ right to strike, though they are not paid for hours missed during stoppages.
The union plans to coordinate with CCOO and other labor groups, which could widen the impact. The final schedule for walkouts and protests will be announced, but there is still a chance for a last-minute deal. If an agreement is reached before 21 September, the strike could be called off or changed.
For now, Guadalajara’s logistics sector faces a standoff between workers and employers, with the outcome likely to influence similar disputes elsewhere in Spain. Employers’ reliance on temporary contracts and algorithmic management has brought flexibility and lower costs, but also growing worker frustration and instability. Unless both sides reach a compromise, the region’s logistics industry could face serious disruption.
