The government has proposed a six percent pay rise for public employees through 2024. Sources indicate that this offer was presented by the negotiating team led by María Jesús Montero to unions Csif, CCOO, and UGT during a meeting held on Wednesday. Workers and managers alike felt the proposal did not fully offset rising living costs, sparking a fresh round of talks aimed at shaping short-term increases and planning for the years ahead. A cross‑country agreement remains in flux, potentially affecting roughly 3.4 million public sector workers. People across Spain have been cautious about commenting on ongoing discussions from the Ministry of Finance and Public Function.
The Treasury initially tabled a salary plan for civil servants that starts with a 2 percent boost in 2022, complemented by a retroactive half-point increase to counter inflation. For 2023, the plan envisions a 2.5 percent rise, and for 2024, an additional 2 percent. In total, the package spans six percent over the two-year period, with a multi-year deal representing a top priority for unions, especially ahead of the 2024 electoral cycle when implementing a new raise could prove challenging at year start.
Authorities will be able to telework 90% of their day if they live in depopulated areas
Negotiations continue as initial offers were rejected. It falls to the Treasury to set deadlines, since it possesses the authority to grant increases even without the explicit consent of the most representative civil service unions. Union sources report that there is urgency to reach an agreement, with a scheduled meeting this Thursday at four o’clock. Montero also indicated a desire to close negotiations by the following Tuesday.
35 hour work week
The government recognizes that the proposed figures could erode purchasing power for public employees, and is open to bargaining on non-salary terms as well. Discussions include potential changes to the length of the workday and other working conditions across the administration. The Treasury is considering reducing the standard workweek to 35 hours, a change likely to be welcomed by public service centers. There is also talk of reclassifying certain job groups to reflect actual duties, a move that is expected to raise salaries for some professionals, notably in health and education sectors.
The effective 3.5 percent salary increase proposed for next year is intended as a reference point for broader labor talks, mirroring dynamics seen in the private sector where employers and unions negotiate adjustments tied to inflation. While the CEO expressed willingness to accept a 3.5 percent rise for the year, unions argue that this figure should be revisited to align with the year’s final CPI. As inflation remains elevated, CCOO and UGT have signaled that they may push for a higher figure if negotiations resume with employers. This stance reflects a broader push to preserve real wages amid cost-of-living pressures across the country, with the outcome shaping the climate for public-sector hiring, retention, and morale in the months ahead. Citations: official statements from the treasury and union newsletters are used to frame these negotiations (attribution).