Nueva Pescanova began formal talks with its employees under the formal process known as an ERE, opening negotiations this Tuesday in the Mar de Vigo Auditorium. The table for negotiation has been set, and the company presented a plan affecting 82 workers rather than the 100 initially announced when the file was submitted to the labor authorities. The reduction in numbers came as the company refined its proposal during the regulatory review, while ensuring all affected personnel are clearly identified for the forthcoming discussions.
Business Committee Chair Ana Caride reported at the end of the meeting that four affected units are involved: three plants located in the Chapela area near Pontevedra and one facility in Madrid. Of the 52 employees from these units who will participate in the process, there are two representatives seated at the negotiating table, reflecting the company’s commitment to a structured employee dialogue.
The session started around 11:30 a.m. and concluded about two hours later, marking the initial contact between the parties. The company presented five individuals who attended the session on its side, with two human resources staff present and a total of thirteen participants from the social part, including members from the CCOO and two individuals from the special commission described by UGT, all contributing to the early exchanges.
During the meeting, articles of association were signed by the company, and the relevant documents were handed over. The first formal meeting date was set for October 5, serving informational purposes for now and with no central headquarters established due to the overlap with the Conxemar trade fair period. The process will advance with a clear schedule as the parties align their positions and expectations in the context of Spain’s labor regulations.
The involved parties agreed on a 30-day window to finalize and sign the agreement, extending to October 26. Labor representatives indicated that this timeline is flexible and open to extension if necessary, underscoring a mutual willingness to reach a balanced arrangement that minimizes disruption for workers and preserves the company’s long-term viability. The atmosphere at the first session was described as constructive, with all participants aiming to approach the talks in good faith and to seek a solution that reduces impact on employees wherever possible.
Caride emphasized the intent to pursue a settlement that minimizes hardship for those affected, while acknowledging the broader objective of maintaining employment and company competitiveness. The chairperson also highlighted the need for goodwill from all sides, noting that Abanca, the largest shareholder, is closely observing the process as part of its broader stake in the company’s ongoing efforts to restructure and stabilize operations. The tone of the meeting was practical, focusing on transparent communication and a cooperative approach to the bargaining process.
The ERE regulation discussion initially targeted a total of 100 workers drawn from the workforce of 335, spanning headquarters and corporate offices. As the filing evolved, the parties refined the scope to 82 workers to reflect updated economic and organizational considerations. The company has justified the measure as a response to economic pressures and organizational shifts, with the objective of adapting to a challenging global environment in order to preserve the entity’s long-term sustainability. The negotiation stands as a critical step for Nueva Pescanova to align its business model with current market realities while safeguarding as many jobs as possible.
New information indicates that the firm, owned by the Galician financial group Abanca, is currently engaged in a broader process that includes discussions about selling part of its capital to Cooke, a Canadian multinational. This potential capital repositioning adds another layer to the negotiations, underscoring the importance of the ERE talks in shaping the company’s future strategy and its capacity to compete in a volatile global seafood market. The ongoing dialogue aims to balance financial stability, strategic restructuring, and the well-being of employees as the company works toward a durable path forward.