Spain's Meat Sector Avoids Strike After Pre-Agreement on Collective Bargaining

Spain’s meat industry has averted a significant labor strike initially planned for December 4 and 5, 2024, following a pre-agreement reached between major business organizations and trade unions. The agreement, reached after over 17 hours of negotiations, addresses key concerns for both sides and is subject to ratification before November 30.

Details of the Agreement

The pre-agreement, which applies for 2024 and 2025, includes provisions on wages, working hours, and other terms of employment:

Wage Adjustments:

For 2024: A 3% wage increase in line with the Agreement for Employment and Collective Bargaining (ANC).
For 2025: A 3% increase following the ANC provisions.
Both years include a wage revision clause tied to deviations from the Consumer Price Index (CPI), capped at 1%, and not applied retroactively.

Reduced Working Hours:

Beginning January 1, 2025, annual working hours will decrease by 12 hours, bringing the total to 1,748 hours per year.

This pre-agreement affects over 110,000 workers in a sector contributing approximately 2.72% to Spain’s GDP. The industry, which recorded a turnover of €33.2 billion in 2023 and €10.6 billion in exports, is a vital economic pillar, particularly in rural areas.

Negotiations and Implications

The agreement followed intense discussions between trade unions (CC.OO., UGT, and FIGA) and business organizations (ANICE, FECIC, AGEMCEX, ANAFRIC, and ANAGRASA). It is seen as a necessary compromise to prevent disruptions in a key industry during a crucial period.

If ratified, the pre-agreement would bring immediate labor peace while addressing ongoing concerns about wages and working hours. However, the impact of wage increases and reduced working hours on businesses' operational costs and competitiveness remains a topic for further analysis.

Broader Labor Trends in Spain

This development is part of a broader trend of labor negotiations in Spain aimed at preempting strikes and resolving disputes through dialogue:

In October 2024, a planned transport strike was averted after unions and employers reached an agreement addressing pay and working conditions.
In November 2024, a new collective agreement in Almería’s agricultural sector included incremental wage increases over the next two years.

These examples highlight the increasing reliance on negotiated solutions to balance workers’ demands with business constraints.

Conclusion

The pre-agreement in Spain’s meat sector demonstrates the potential for negotiation and collaboration in addressing complex labor issues. As the ratification deadline approaches, the industry and its workers await the final confirmation of terms that will shape the sector's labor relations over the next two years.

Sources:

https://spanishnewstoday.com/spain_transport_strike_called_off_after_agreement_reached_between_unions_and_employers_1000147295-a.html

https://www.pig333.com/latest_swine_news/spain-agreement-to-avoid-strike-in-the-meat-sector_20942/

https://cadenaser.com/andalucia/2024/11/26/firmado-el-nuevo-convenio-del-campo-en-almeria-que-contempla-subidas-del-25-y-2-en-los-proximos-dos-anos-ser-almeria/