The Valencian textile sector reaches a new autonomous collective agreement
In a landmark move, a signed autonomous agreement in the Valencian Community marks a significant milestone after two years of careful negotiations. The textile industry, which sustains more than 40,000 workers across the three provinces, predominantly women, is poised for meaningful improvements in working conditions and job security.
The agreement sets a three‑year validity period through 2024, delivering a total wage increase of 11.25 percent and introducing a salary review tied to consumer price indices. The recent labor reform has enabled new fixed and permanent contracts, alongside an appeal mechanism and clearly defined minimum annual appeal deadlines. This framework aims to provide greater consistency and fairness in compensation while protecting workers against sudden wage fluctuations.
Beyond compensation, the contract outlines clear provisions for professional promotion within the workforce. It also introduces new articles addressing digital disconnection and teleworking, reflecting modern workplace realities and ensuring rules are in place for remote work arrangements. These updates emphasize the importance of work‑life balance and the right to disconnect after work hours.
For Cristina García, secretary general of Serveis CCOO PV, the agreement is a positive development that benefits everyone across the industry. She notes that this is the first time all workers in the three provinces have seen improved conditions as a result of the union’s sustained efforts. García highlights that the agreement establishes enhanced protections for women workers and secures wage review clauses that help preserve the purchasing power of the workforce. This collective achievement demonstrates a commitment to fairness, equal opportunity, and financial stability for textile employees.
In practical terms, the pact supports ongoing professional growth, with structured pathways for advancement and formalized processes to recognize and reward skill development. The inclusion of teleworking and digital disconnection policies aligns with contemporary employment trends, ensuring that remote work is governed by clear standards that safeguard employee well‑being while maintaining productivity. The agreement also strengthens mechanisms for dispute resolution and ensures transparency in wage progression, contributing to a more predictable and dignified work environment for thousands of textile workers in the region.
Analysts suggest that the Valencian agreement could influence similar negotiations across Spain and might serve as a reference point for regional labor relations. By combining competitive compensation, robust protections for female workers, and forward‑looking rules on telework, the document reflects a holistic approach to modern employment that values both economic security and personal well‑being. The long‑term goal is to preserve the vitality of the textile sector while supporting workers who contribute to its success. Notes from industry observers point to the importance of maintaining open channels of dialogue between unions, employers, and government agencies to sustain momentum and ensure the agreement evolves with changing conditions.