The hospitality workers and business owners in Madrid face a tense holiday season as talks stall on new collective bargaining terms. Unions have started mobilizing, with Workers’ Commissions (CCOO) calling for strikes on December 25 and 31, and January 1, 5, and 6. The General Union of Workers (UGT) has signaled similar action should wage raises remain blocked by hoteliers and other employers.
The core points from both unions are clear. After a year of negotiations and four mediation sessions at the Regional Institute of Mediation and Arbitration of the Community of Madrid (IRMA), unions say the proposed agreement is not acceptable. Employers have been unwilling to commit to meaningful increases in wages or to improve working conditions for Madrid’s more than 150,000 hospitality workers.
CCOO has described the industry as exploiting its workers and neglecting the needs of people who keep the sector running. A recent call urged the industry to pause Christmas, New Year celebrations, and Kings Day to focus on negotiating fair pay. The unions argue that a reasonable salary increase and improved working conditions are overdue.
Positive expectations and a 15% wage proposal
UGT added that if employers continue to resist raises, a surge in sales and revenue could lead to renewed protests and more strikes. The unions emphasize unity, noting that employer associations have shown little interest in signing a new contract. They stress the critical importance of a collective agreement for Madrid’s hospitality sector, which affects more than 150,000 workers.
UGT calls for a collective agreement that protects workers and addresses lost wages over recent years. Their proposal would raise overall pay by 15 percent over 2023, 2024, and 2025, while establishing solid working conditions and clear career advancement pathways. Local press communications reiterate the need for a fair deal that acknowledges the sector’s contribution to Madrid’s economy.
CCOO also endorses a three-year plan, outlining a 7 percent increase in 2023, followed by 4 percent in 2024 and 4 percent in 2025. The party argues for reform of temporary and part-time contracts to ensure fairness, alongside updated rules for promotions and a modernized framework that aligns with current labor standards.
Employer priorities and the path forward
In response to the planned actions, business leaders have stated that reaching a collective bargaining agreement remains their top goal. They insist that talks will continue with workers until an agreement is achieved and that efforts will be intensified if needed. A joint statement from Madrid hotel groups indicates that notable progress has already been made on pay, including a target of a 15 percent raise within three years to 2025.
The statement also notes a broader aim to extend the preliminary agreement to more issues on the table. These include training programs, clearer paths for professional advancement, and more robust recruitment strategies. The overall message is one of seeking stability for both companies and staff while laying the groundwork for a more sustainable hospitality sector in Madrid.
Both sides acknowledge the broader impact on the local economy and the living standards of those who work in hotels, bars, and restaurants. The ongoing negotiations aim to balance business viability with fair compensation and safe, dignified working conditions for all employees, as the sector prepares to navigate the coming year with greater certainty and collective purpose.