The global energy squeeze is sending ripple effects across Castellón’s pottery sector and beyond, reshaping how firms recruit and operate. A year ago, the urgency to hire new professionals was already high, yet today the outlook for the coming months points to a dip in activity. Carmelo Martínez, president of the Castellón Cooperation of Road Transport (ACTM), notes that demand for service could fall and several companies have already begun filing for ERTE procedures to weather the downturn.
In the last two weeks, dismantling the flow of services such as container transport—especially for ceramics—has become a reality, complicating trade with Algeria and creating serious challenges for enamel and machine manufacturers. The disruption is described as a brutal landing, given the frequent voyages between Algiers and Castellón port, which directly affects haulage firms and their operations (ACTM).
To wait
On unemployment filings, Martínez indicated there was no current activation of ERTEs, yet he warned that the mechanism could be triggered in the coming months if the industry, including the tile sector, continues to stall since the start of the year. He also warned of potential price reductions as firms try to keep operating amid weakening demand, squeezing margins for road transport companies while fuel costs remain elevated and there is little expectation of a quick relief in the medium term.
Castellón’s road transport sector employs more than 6,000 people, a figure tallied by employers and unions at the end of April when the current collective agreement—which envisions a 9% salary rise between 2022 and 2024—was signed.
The uncertainty now contrasts with a year-ago shortage of qualified drivers in the province, estimated at roughly 500 workers when job needs were at their peak (ACTM).
Payment terms
The Valencia Federation of Transport and Logistics Entrepreneurs (FVET) reports that nearly half of the professionals in the sector face longer payment cycles, with around 40% experiencing terms averaging 60 to 90 days. Even though a sanctions regime was updated a year ago, authorities may penalize those who exceed 60 days for service payments (FVET).
The Castellón employers’ association president warns that delays in payments could worsen in the coming months, calling the trend worrisome, though there has been a slight improvement in recent weeks.