124,000 workers face meat industry strike in November

A strike week could hit Spain’s meat industry in early November after pay talks broke down in Madrid on 14 September 2026. UGT FICA, the Industry, Construction and Agriculture Federation of the UGT union, says it is preparing mobilisation that will end in a nationwide stoppage. Employers say more than 124,000 workers are covered by the national agreement at the centre of the dispute.

The union says Anice, Fecic and Agemcex have left it with no alternative. It calls the employers’ final offer on the key issues inadequate and unacceptable.

Pay offer and production pace

The employers have offered a 3.5% pay rise for 2026, followed by 2.5% in 2027 and 2% in 2028 — 8% over three years. UGT FICA points to August inflation of 4.3%.

The union also objects to what it calls unacceptable production speeds. It says some companies demand a pace of work without even measuring production, harming workers’ health.

Employers take dispute to mediation

Anice, Fecic and Agemcex have filed for conciliation and mediation at the Interconfederal Mediation and Arbitration Service, known as SIMA. They say this is the required step before a possible case at the National Court against UGT FICA, CCOO Industria and CIG.

The employer groups accuse the unions of failing to negotiate in good faith. They say unions have not substantively discussed the employers’ proposals, including a proposed observatory on occupational health, absence and sustainable productivity, or changes to the joint committee.

The groups say they raised their initial 2026 pay offer by 40%, from 2.5% to 3.5%, at the latest meeting. They maintain that they want an agreement.

Topics: Court cases · Strikes · Jobs & labour

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com