For Carmen Palomar, secretary of the union representing workers in the Labor Commissions of Baix Vinalopó and Vega Baja, education, honoring contracts, and meeting environmental standards form the core pillars of the shoe sector. Valencia Courts presents a socio-labor snapshot of an industry that sustains more than 33,000 jobs and supports over 3,000 companies.
The contract landscape is dominated by the widespread use of fixed-discontinuous contracts, a system that the sector often relies on to align with seasonal production needs. This arrangement tends to push employment toward part-time arrangements that can slip into the shadow economy, since hours stretch during peak periods and formal references or citations are frequently missing, Palomar notes.
Palomar also highlighted how labor reform is gradually reshaping the field, pointing to a measurable shift in the incidence of fixed-discontinuous contracts since the March and April data. This trend underscores the sector’s evolving approach to staffing, not merely as a reaction to seasonality but as a response to regulatory changes and market demands.
From a vocational training perspective, the union views dual education programs as a strategic investment. Updating training and refining dual vocational paths to mirror real business needs can make manufacturing careers more attractive to young people, a crucial step for an industry that is aging in several of its regional hubs. The data speaks to a broader challenge: in 2018, a large share of footwear workers were over 44 years old, while the younger cohorts were underrepresented. Only 142 young people under 30 were recorded among the industry’s 86,142 workers across the Valencian Community, with LABORA listing merely 185 job seekers under 30 in the sector. These numbers emphasize the urgency of cultivating new talent within the footwear ecosystem.
In evaluating sectoral policies, the union leader offered thoughts on the Valencian Industry’s Strategic Plan, stressing the necessity of governance structures that align with the region’s realities. The 2023 reform proposal calls for governance reforms that can better reflect local conditions and opportunities, enabling more effective decision-making and resource allocation.
Recent innovation efforts showcase momentum in the region, with 19 active projects supported by the Valencia Innovation Agency, collectively awarded more than €2.6 million. These initiatives spotlight health-related innovations, the use of sustainable materials and recycling, advances in robotics, and the creation of innovation agents. Yet Palomar cautioned that the true value lies in integrating projects within a robust governance framework that engages the entire innovation ecosystem. Collaboration across universities, companies, and public agencies is essential to overcoming the sector’s most pressing challenges.
There is a clear opportunity to strengthen the Industry Observatory’s sectoral insights and AVI’s strategic committees from a labor and union standpoint. The commission’s conclusions advocate prioritizing the alignment of base orders with measurable indicator projects that raise working standards and reduce inequality, ensuring access to stable, fairly compensated employment across the supply chain.
Elche’s footwear sector continues to hold substantial sway in international fashion, a point emphasized by industry observers who see regional excellence translating into global trends. This influence underscores the importance of maintaining high-quality manufacturing practices and sustainable supply chains that can compete on world markets.
On the environmental front, Palomar urged recognition that sustainability is not a simple compliance exercise but a dynamic shift requiring broader participation and rapid action. The path forward calls for a coordinated effort among manufacturers, workers, and regulators to meet evolving environmental demands without compromising livelihoods or competitiveness.
Finally, the union’s leadership in Baix Vinalopó and Vega Baja championed a clear commitment to an environmentally sustainable footwear industry. They called for concrete corrective measures, mobility programs as standard working conditions, and accelerated regulatory decisions to support decarbonization targets, ensuring that the region remains competitive while meeting its climate responsibilities.