Metalworkers’ strike called off

On Sunday afternoon, 26 July, the parties signed the collective agreement during a conciliation meeting held at the Balearic Arbitration and Mediation Tribunal (TAMIB). As a result, the trade unions UGT, CCOO and USO have called off the strike scheduled for 27, 28, 29 and 30 July.

The Balearic Metal Federation (FEBAME), a member of the negotiating committee for the Collective Agreement for the Balearic Metalworking Industry, has expressed its satisfaction with the agreement reached with the trade unions, considering it a firm commitment to all workers in the Balearic metalworking sector. The agreed 18% pay increase over four years has made it possible to reach a settlement and call off the strike due to begin on Monday.

Following the breakdown in negotiations at TAMIB ten days ago, the parties have managed to reach an agreement before the imminent start of the strike, thanks to their willingness to continue negotiating and remain at the bargaining table throughout the process.

The agreement includes a historic 18% increase in the pay scales of the current collective agreement over four years, until the end of 2029. The increases will be applied as follows: 5% in 2026, 4.5% in 2027, 4.5% in 2028 and 4% in 2029.

In this context, the agreement between employers and trade unions in the Balearic metalworking sector represents the highest pay settlement currently included in collective bargaining negotiations in the autonomous community. It also reflects a clear commitment by both sides to creating an attractive collective agreement for current and future workers, helping companies to attract and retain the talent they need.

The employers’ organisations believe that the dialogue, negotiations and resulting agreement represent an exemplary effort by all the parties involved. After seven months of negotiations, a solution has been reached that maximises the resources and efforts of companies while benefiting the sector as a whole.

FEBAME, which is part of the Confederation of Balearic Business Associations (CAEB), has welcomed what it describes as a stable four-year agreement. It believes the deal guarantees improved working conditions for employees while safeguarding the competitiveness and future viability of companies in the sector and supporting market growth and productivity.