Elche, Elda Valley, Villena: Unified 30-Day Shoes Industry Holiday Plan

The Valencia Shoe Entrepreneurs Association (Avecal), the Spanish Shoe Components Association (AEC), and the unions CCOO and UGT have approved a holiday schedule for the footwear sector in the fertile Elche, Elda Valley, and Villena regions. The agreement sets a 30 calendar day vacation period for workers, aligning with the sector’s collective bargaining terms for 2022. Avecal president Marián Cano, AEC managing director Álvaro Sánchez, CCOO representative Miguel Ángel Cerdá, and UGT representative Juan José García were among those present at the meeting held at the Valencian shoe association’s headquarters. The signed pact outlines the holiday start period for companies in Elche and the Elda Valley, beginning August 1 and ending August 31, with the aim of delivering a uniform and enjoyable holiday experience for sector employees. If a company cannot grant 30 consecutive calendar days due to production, treasury, or order service needs, it may, by mutual agreement with the workers, shorten the 30-day period. In such cases, other days of the same nature can be taken at alternative times during the year, including Christmas holidays or bridge days, according to mutual arrangements. For Villena, the holiday will be observed from July 18 to July 31, and again from September 5 to September 11. The remaining vacation days can be agreed upon within each company. Holiday pay will be calculated based on 30 days of work at the salary specified in the sectoral contract, plus 30 days calculated from the average incentives. Any changes agreed upon during the holiday period by mutual consent of employers and workers will be fully valid. Additionally, a mediation commission will be established to resolve cases where companies and workers fail to reach an agreement on vacation timing. This commission will review adjustments when holiday dates do not align with the agreed schedule. New proposals to concentrate holidays within sector companies may be submitted to this commission for consideration before April 13 of the current year, ensuring ongoing coordination across the sector. The framework aims to balance operational needs with worker welfare, providing a clear, standardized approach to seasonal time off while preserving flexibility where production demands require it. The parties emphasize collaboration and mutual respect as essential elements to maintaining steady production and ensuring that holiday practices support both business performance and employee well-being. The process reflects a shared commitment to predictable scheduling, fair compensation, and transparent dispute resolution within the Valencian footwear industry.