In a coordinated move, CC.OO., UGT and Semaf, the Spanish Railway Drivers Association, announced the cancellation of planned industrial action previously set for Friday, October 28, and for November 7 and 11. The decision comes after Renfe, the national rail operator, pledged to intensify negotiations aimed at reaching a new collective agreement. A central element of these discussions is the inclusion of clearly defined wage increases for workers across the network, reflecting the importance of a fair and competitive compensation framework within Spain’s rail sector.
Renfe’s President, Isaías Táboas, addressed members of the Congress of Deputies last week to outline the company’s position following recent measures endorsed by the Government. He indicated that Renfe will be allowed to expand its wage bill beyond a 2% ceiling, a step that signals government support for more robust remuneration negotiations and aligns with broader fiscal policies designed to sustain public services while maintaining budgetary discipline.
The ongoing talks are expected to anchor themselves to the salary increases negotiated in the Civil Service contract recently signed with the unions representing Renfe workers. The framework includes a 3.5% salary rise for the current year, retroactive to January 1, 2022, which is intended to reflect inflationary pressures and enhance the purchasing power of employees who contribute to the railway system’s reliability and growth.
In addition, the agreement contemplates a complementary 3.5% increase for 2023, followed by a 2.5% rise in 2024. These rises are paired with a planned change in the annual calculation of the workweek, moving toward a 35-hour framework, a measure designed to support workforce planning, better work-life balance for staff, and operational stability across Renfe’s services.
Renfe also aims to streamline pay structures by eliminating income categories that produce double wages and by taking essential steps to extend the temporary contracts of additional commercial staff. This extension would permit continued participation in free subscription programs and is currently planned through 2023, ensuring smoother transitions for employees in pivotal customer-facing roles while safeguarding service quality.
The company has signaled its willingness to engage with unions about maximizing renewal rates within the legal framework of General Government Budgets, seeking guaranteed positions for 2023 across all employee groups. There is also a discussion about achieving a number of indefinite contracts within several commercial categories, echoing a shift from temporary arrangements toward greater workforce permanency as service demands evolve.
The dialogue also considers previously overlooked groups, including base and division supervisors, station and train supervisors, as well as administrative and management personnel. Proposals include launching a formal professional career track for headquarters staff that rewards achievement, encourages ongoing development, and strengthens retention of both current and future rail workers. In addition, the role of the instructor driver will be reviewed to streamline the training process and ensure that new generations of drivers receive rigorous, standardized preparation that supports safety and efficiency across the network.