Mercadona and its representative unions UGT, CC OO, and the Independent Union (SI) signed a new company collective agreement. The pact reinforces a commitment to shared, sustainable growth. It takes effect on January 1, 2024 and extends for five years, through the end of 2028.
The company states that the agreement preserves the purchasing power of its workforce. The base salary increase aligns with the consumer price index up to 2.5 percent; if inflation exceeds that cap, the company will supplement the increase, up to a 6 percent ceiling, a figure linked to the organization’s profit targets. This measure reflects the company’s longstanding model of wealth creation and shared benefits.
Next to a company led by Juan Roig, the minimum entry salary already stands at 1,507 euros per month gross, which is 20 percent above the national interprofessional minimum. In addition, there are various supplements tied to the company’s remuneration policy that can total an annual increase of about 11 percent up to the fifth section, potentially reaching up to 60 percent more than the interprofessional minimum wage over time.
Logistics centers and warehouses
The new agreement also applies to workers in private fulfillment centers and warehouse operations. It introduces arrangements for weekends that cover the remaining eight weekends of the year, with a gradual rollout during 2024 and 2025, meaning the majority of staff will be affected. The company also commits to reducing working hours in 2025.
The Valencian supermarket chain pledges to reduce working hours in 2025.
Ruth Garcia, Mercadona’s Director of Labor Relations, emphasizes: “This new agreement ensures satisfaction for more than 100,000 Mercadona workers, which is a cornerstone of the company’s success and growth. The management model prioritizes worker well-being because the company serves the needs of more than 5.7 million homes twice daily.” (Mercadona press release).
Mercadona recently opened a new store in Zaragoza, a development noted by regional media.
Union satisfaction
Lola Luna Fernández, head of FeSMC UGT in the sector, underscores the importance of this agreement as one that will shape the industry and will be highly valued by those working in the field. The aim is to keep Mercadona at the forefront of the sector, not only through remuneration but also through improved daily distribution quality and breaks that facilitate work–life balance.
José María Martínez, general secretary of CCOO Services Federation, says the agreement demonstrates that social dialogue can adapt workforce realities with broad participation from both the company and the RLPT. By implementing these adaptations, improving working conditions, and raising salaries, purchasing power is protected in the sector’s largest employer. He also highlights the continuity of the Observatory established in the previous agreement, which will study how to reduce the working day and analyze its distribution.
Fermin Palacios, secretary general of the Independent Union, notes: “From the Independent Union’s early involvement in Mercadona’s negotiations to the current collective agreement, the emphasis has been on preserving purchasing power while maintaining stable employment. It represents a real social responsibility—an exceptionally strong collective agreement for the industry.” (Mercadona union statements).