The Balearic Islands agree on a new commerce agreement with progressive salary increases

PalmThe new collective bargaining agreement for the Balearic Islands' commerce sector is now a reality after employers and unions reached a unanimous agreement (with the exception of CCOO) that will affect nearly 70,000 workers in the sector and foresees a salary increase of 14% over four years.

The agreement was finalized this Friday after a meeting of approximately an hour and a half at the Afedeco headquarters, and it continues the line agreed upon in the previous technical committee. Thus, the new agreement sets progressive increases: 4.5% in 2026, 3.5% in 2027, and 3% in the following two years, in addition to a 1% salary guarantee clause in 2028. The salary increase is positioned at an intermediate point between the initial proposals: employers advocated for 9% over three years, UGT for 17%, and CCOO and USO demanded up to 21%. Finally, the agreed-upon 14% has been described by the parties as a "consensus" agreement after mutual concessions.

The agreement also incorporates other labor improvements, such as an increase in disability and accident insurance, an improvement in the rate for hours worked on Sundays and holidays, and the recognition of inactivity periods for permanent seasonal workers for the calculation of retirement benefits, in line with what the hospitality agreement already provides. Furthermore, new protocols for mobility and climate emergencies are included, the application of LGTBI regulations, and an extension of paid maternity and paternity leave up to five days.

Nevertheless, various union demands have been left out of the agreement, such as seniority, insularity, or loyalty supplements, as well as the extension of the guarantee for permanent seasonal workers up to nine months or the reduction of the working day, which will remain set at 40 hours per week and 31 days of annual vacation. One of the key points of the negotiation has been the need to safeguard the regional agreement against the state agreement promoted between CCOO, Fetico, and the employer Arte, which could allow major brands to leave the Balearic framework and cause a salary reduction. The new text includes a specific provision that establishes the prevalence of the regional agreement in case of conflict.

From the unions, UGT has positively valued the agreement and has highlighted that the salary increase "is approaching" their initial proposal. On the other hand, CCOO has expressed dissatisfaction, despite having signed "out of social responsibility", and has warned that it will monitor compliance with the agreement. On the employers' side, Afedeco and Pimeco have celebrated an agreement they consider "balanced" and that can benefit both companies and workers, despite the effort that the salary increase will entail for small businesses.