Negotiations over the national shoe industry agreement remain unresolved, yet a clearer path is emerging as both employers and unions take positions after months of stalemate. A formal proposal was submitted through SIMA, the Interfederal Mediation and Arbitration Service, bringing a new sense of momentum to the talks. The proposal includes a salary guarantee clause tied to the consumer price index (CPI) with a cap at 15%, and both sides were asked to respond by December 27 after consulting their respective assemblies. Employers appear ready to sign, while unions show more hesitation in moving forward.
Negotiating a shoe sector agreement is a complex endeavor. The industry employs about 16,500 workers in the Alicante region, and the core dispute has consistently centered on wage growth. The CC OO and UGT unions demand a review clause that would adjust wage increases in line with CPI to preserve workers’ purchasing power. Employers have agreed to the review concept, saying it would translate into wage growth of roughly 12.5% to 15% by 2025, though with a cap of 2.5% annually. The December 2 meeting ended with cautious follow-up discussions that will require renegotiation.
Earlier this week, representatives from SIMA facilitated a meeting in Madrid where both sides tabled proposals that indicated a shift toward compromise, though tangible progress remained modest. The current plan calls for a 4% salary increase for 2022 and the same for 2023, 2.5% for 2024, and 2% for 2025, with the total tally reaching 12.5% when accrued. A wage guarantee clause mirrors CPI, capped at 15%, and if inflation rises beyond that threshold, an additional 0.50% would be allocated in two installments to cover the delta.
Beyond annual salary changes, the proposal includes a reduction of the annual working day to 12 hours during the four-year contract, indefinite ultra-activity, and the removal of the obligation to justify two unpaid leave days. It also advances on equality measures, remote work, and alignment with the current pension framework to ensure loyalty incentives remain practical and usable, along with provisions for accumulation of benefits.
With a December 27 response deadline, José María Escrigas, the business representative in the negotiations, described the proposal as feasible and signable in principle. “It aligns well with our approach, and we expect the other side to accept these terms,” he stated.
Unions and shoe employers approach the wage debate with caution
Suspicion remains on the union side. The general secretary of the UGT in La Muntanya, Vinalopó, and Vega Baja expressed concerns about the proposed wage increases, noting that many workers in the industry earn relatively low salaries and stressing the need to protect purchasing power. He warned that inflation could outpace wage growth, underscoring the risk to workers if a deal fails. Despite these concerns, the ultimate decision will rest with the workers in the assemblies.
CC OO and UGT Pause Mobilizations
Facing pressure to strike, the unions CC OO and UGT paused their mobilizations after a mediation suggestion from SIMA on Tuesday. The assemblies will decide whether to sign the agreement or to continue the conflict, keeping a tense atmosphere in the sector until the vote.
In parallel, observers note that the process reflects broader trends in manufacturing labor negotiations in both North America and Europe, where wage dynamics, inflation, and worker protections are central themes. The outcome here could influence similar negotiations in other regions, particularly where inflationary pressures intersect with wage expectations and employment stability. Attribution: SIMA mediation framework and regional wage policy discussions cited in the ongoing talks.