In the midst of ongoing talks about a Primark agreement, CC OO chose to raise the stakes as talks stalled, signaling the start of a nationwide mobilization to counter what it viewed as an unstable drift in the process. The move was a deliberate step to keep pressure on the company and to defend the interests of workers as the negotiations wore on. As part of this strategy, employees at the Primark store in Alicante organized a public demonstration this afternoon. Their presence was marked by banners and chants that voiced their demands and drew attention to the dispute over terms and conditions.
From CC OO’s perspective, the mobilization was designed to force a recalibration of the talks and to push Primark toward accepting proposals the union has championed since the very first meeting. The union has framed these demands as essential for restoring balance between the company and its workforce and for ensuring that staff contributions are properly recognized in the contract framework. The core issues revolve around compensation, working hours, and the broader implications of the proposed terms on day-to-day duties. The union asserts that a fair agreement would reflect salary adjustments aligned with inflation indices and living costs, while preserving a reasonable hour cap that protects workers from excessive overtime. The dialogue includes a call for improvements to Sunday overtime rates, with a view to making such shifts more equitable and sustainable for employees, alongside proposals to expand meal and rest breaks to safeguard worker well-being.
Additional points under discussion would modify the first holiday shift starting in May and establish a clear reference point in June, along with a gradual increase in contracted hours to accommodate fluctuating demand. These elements are presented not as abstract goals but as concrete measures meant to preserve the dignity and financial security of staff as the partnership with Primark evolves. The union stresses that the contract should be engineered to reward loyalty and effort, particularly in a period of change and growth for the retail chain. It emphasizes that staff morale and performance are closely tied to predictable schedules, fair pay, and transparent advancement opportunities.
Sources close to the situation describe the union’s approach as forward-looking rather than confrontational, aiming to secure a fair agreement that recognizes the contributions of workers in recent years. The discussions are framed as essential to the long-term stability of employment at Primark and to the continued success of the business. By advocating specific improvements tied to the CPI and local economic conditions, CC OO seeks to align the contract with broader standards of market fairness while ensuring the workforce shares in the gains generated by the company’s operations.