Airbus Spain workers vote down 12% pay deal, strike-convener Sipa steps aside

The vote

On Friday, July 24, workers at Airbus's Spanish plants voted on a pre-agreement reached by unions CCOO, Sipa, and ATP with management. The deal included a 12% salary increase through 2027 and the preservation of two teleworking days per week. Voting was open from early morning until 5 p.m., both online and in person, with PwC overseeing the process. All employees registered as of July 23 were eligible, excluding those on voluntary leave. The result, announced after the vote, was a rejection.

Union split and resignation

The pre-agreement had been signed by three unions representing over 75% of the bargaining committee, but it faced strong opposition from the workforce. During assemblies the previous Thursday, workers sharply criticized the signatories. The disconnect led the main Sipa representative at the Getafe plant to resign from all union posts, describing the deal as "the best that could be achieved" and urging a free vote. Company sources did not rule out similar resignations at other sites if the agreement were rejected.

Strike pause and next steps

Sipa, the union that originally called the strike on July 1, stated that it had lost the confidence of employees and would not subscribe to the agreement. It withdrew the strike call, giving space to the non-signatory unions (CGT, UGT, and UTIL) to file a new strike notice if they wished.

We thus give the necessary space to the other organizations that have not signed the pre-agreement (CGT, UGT and UTIL) to proceed with the presentation of a new strike ballot if they so consider.

Sipa added that workers would return to their posts on Monday, July 27, "with complete normality." The union also noted that it had not legally called off the strike, leaving some strikers uncertain about their status during the voting days.

We continue to think it was a good agreement and with time it will be understood.

The organization has left its reputation on the road and 24 days of salary, as have all those who have truly supported the strike.

Company's position

Airbus had described the pre-agreement as a "unique opportunity" to mark a turning point in the labor conflict, emphasizing that it was "not the end point" but the start of a "deep change" the company also saw as necessary. The firm had pushed for the vote before the holiday period of the Airbus Helicopters workforce.

What the deal offered

The proposed agreement included a general salary increase of 5% in 2026 and 5% in 2027, plus an additional 0.5% annually, bringing the total to 12% over the period. It also maintained the current two-day teleworking arrangement. The three signatory unions had endorsed the text after a negotiation session that lasted until the early hours of Thursday, July 23.