Airbus Spain workers resume indefinite strike after rejecting wage offer

Workers at Airbus plants across Spain have voted by a large majority to resume an indefinite strike starting August 25, after rejecting the company's latest wage and conditions offer Source: El Confidencial. The strike, called by unions CGT, UGT, and ÚTIL, follows a previous 22-day stoppage in July that ended with a pre-agreement rejected by workers in a referendum Source: Infobae. Union sources report around 90% participation in the initial stoppage Source: La República.

The dispute

The core issues are wage increases linked to inflation, recovery of lost purchasing power (estimated at 9% over four years), restoration of previous teleworking conditions, and sick-leave benefits Source: El Mundo. Airbus has offered to link pay to the IPC, add a percentage to recover purchasing power, and restore teleworking to two days a week, but unions say the proposal lacks concrete timelines and financial commitments Source: La Vanguardia. The company also agreed to withdraw its Supreme Court appeal on sick-leave supplements and refund deducted amounts, but this was conditional on the strike not proceeding Source: El Mundo.

Impact and reaction

Airbus has lamented the strike decision and is assessing its impact on production, client commitments, and reputation, calling an immediate agreement "critical" Source: El Español. The strike has already slowed military and commercial production, potentially affecting the company's annual delivery target of 870 aircraft Source: La República. Spain's Industry Minister, Jordi Hereu, said he hopes not to intervene and urged social responsibility, noting Airbus is a strategic company Source: Infobae.

What's next

Negotiations are set to continue with daily meetings, and a new mediation session is scheduled for Thursday Source: La República. The Cádiz assembly will vote on September 1, following the majority decision Source: El Confidencial.