Post-pandemic economic conditions in the metal sector are recovering. The Alicante province recently secured a new agreement for this year and the next, featuring raises of 4.5 percent and 4 percent respectively. As a result, more than 38,000 workers in the province will begin regaining purchasing power that had slipped over the last three years, due to the previous collective agreement which had a cap and was detached from the Consumer Price Index as seen in neighboring regions.
Toward this agreement, both the Alicante Metal Employers Federation (Fempa) and the unions UGT and CCOO welcomed the pact and the advances it brings in economic, social, and training aspects. The industry agreement covers workers engaged in activities such as mechanical manufacturing, metal treatment, vehicle repair workshops, electrical and telecommunications installers, heating and cooling plumbing installers, elevator technicians, metal doors, and a wide range of related occupations.
It is worth noting that the last time annual increases exceeded 4 percent was before the 2008 crisis. Management representatives acknowledge that the main challenge was changing the rise to be linked to the CPI, mirroring what happens in nearby provinces like Valencia. Additionally, Comisiones has highlighted that if prices exceed the agreed increase, wages will be updated with a maximum 1 percent cap at the end of each year. Delays generated since the start of the year may be paid no later than December 31, 2024, unless a different agreement is reached.
Novedades
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Among the new clauses, CC.OO. emphasized that there is now a requirement to assess environmental conditions using officially approved methods to implement measures addressing high temperatures. Extreme heat days are becoming more common, and Fempa and the unions have agreed to implement preventive measures to manage thermal stress and reduce workplace risks.
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Another measure included is the increase in the mandatory accident insurance cap by 3,000 euros, reaching 27,500 euros in cases of disability or death. This will take effect on October 1. The agreement text also adds new licenses and permissions arising from the so-called family law.
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Impact on Training Investments
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Moreover, both workers and employers intend to push a strong commitment to ongoing training. They see essential the launch of professional training actions that raise skill levels and productivity. In this sense, a system already used in other regions will require companies without clear plans for improving, updating, and training their staff to pay a training surcharge of 30 euros per month for every employee.
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