More than 45,000 logistics workers in Guadalajara are preparing to strike, a move that could bring one of Spain’s basic distribution centers to a halt. The walkout is scheduled for 21 September, after nine months of stalled talks between unions and employers over pay, working hours, and temporary agency staffing. Regional media and RTVE Castilla-La Mancha report that negotiations have failed to produce a new collective agreement.
The basic union, FeSMC-UGT, is seeking 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, followed by 3% in 2027 and 2028. With no deal reached, the threat of a strike remains. The union also wants to reduce the current annual working time of 1,800 hours and limit temporary contracts, as confirmed by FeSMC-UGT and reported by CLMPress.
Local sources describe Guadalajara’s logistics sector as critical to supply chains across Spain, citing its exceptionally large share of the provincial and regional economy.
Logistics accounts for a major part of Guadalajara’s economy. Union estimates put its share at about 25% of the province’s economic activity and nearly 10% of the GDP of Castilla-La Mancha. The region is home to warehouses and distribution centers for large national and international companies, so any disruption could quickly affect supply chains across Spain. Sector analysts say the scale of the dispute makes the area’s warehouse and distribution network especially sensitive.
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, which they blame on high productivity targets and algorithm-driven work pacing. The union wants more direct, permanent contracts and an end to what it calls the casualization of the workforce. FeSMC-UGT says temporary agencies have become 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 it reduced and an extra bonus payment added. Employers have not budged on these points, leaving talks at a standstill. Cadena SER reports that the latest employer offer remains a 3.5% increase in 2026 and 3% in the following years, which both UGT and CCOO say is not enough.
UGT has called for immediate strike action, while CCOO has not joined the call and prefers to exhaust negotiations first. Both unions agree, but, that the current employer proposal falls short of workers’ expectations. As of early September, employers had made no new concessions publicly.
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, potentially widening the impact. The final schedule for walkouts and protests is still to be announced, but a last-minute deal remains possible. If an agreement is reached before 21 September, the strike could be called off or changed.
Guadalajara’s logistics sector faces a standoff between workers and employers, and the outcome could 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. Without a compromise, the region’s logistics industry could face serious disruption.
