The aviation unions Sepla and Iberia have moved toward a preliminary framework for a new pilots’ collective agreement. The proposed deal outlines a 12% salary rise spread over four years, with union sources speaking to Europa Press noting that the increase could climb to 15% if a consumer price index protection clause is activated and the airline’s financial results permit it.
Looking at the current year, a 6.05% wage upgrade has been approved, complemented by a 2% retroactive payment dating back to January 1, and a 1% unconsolidated payment. In addition, an unconsolidated allowance could add as much as 1.75% in 2023, depending on evolving financial conditions and negotiated terms.
For 2024 and 2025, the salary uplift for Iberia’s pilots, a cohort totaling 1,343 individuals, will be linked to Iberia’s performance as well as that of Sepla. The parties anticipate a potential increase in the range of 1.75% to 2.5%, contingent on the airline’s results and broader market factors. This linkage aims to align compensation with operational success while preserving long-term stability for the pilot workforce. [Source: Europa Press]
The most notable element of the agreement is the CPI protection clause. When activated, this mechanism could trigger an aggregate salary increase of up to 15% over a four-year period. The trigger depends on real inflation surpassing the anticipated CPI rise and on Iberia’s economic performance, making the clause a pivotal part of the negotiation’s risk-sharing structure.
The terms also maintain the exclusive operating rights for Iberia pilots to manage six Tier aircraft within the IAG group’s long-haul low-cost framework for a five-year span. This clause consolidates pilot assignments and fleet planning within the group, ensuring consistency in service levels while supporting strategic network efficiency.
The preliminary contract for the new pilots’ collective agreement awaits ratification in an upcoming vote scheduled for next week, signaling that both sides are moving toward formalizing the arrangement and delivering clarity for crew planning, budgeting, and future negotiations. The process reflects a broader trend in European aviation where pilot compensation, inflation-linked adjustments, and fleet assignments are negotiated with a careful eye on operational viability and market conditions.
Industry observers note that the structure prioritizes predictability for pilots during a period of fluctuating fuel costs, demand recovery, and post-pandemic normalization. The proposed framework also underscores the importance of a transparent mechanism for inflation protection, which many carriers view as essential for maintaining real wage value over time. As with prior agreements, the outcome will influence not only Iberia’s labor relations but also the broader competitive landscape within Iberia’s parent group and its competitive positioning against other carriers in North America and Europe. [Analysis by industry observers]