New Employment Agreement Brings Positive Changes for Primark Workers in the Canary Islands

A transformative employment agreement has been reached for Primark’s employees in Spain, marking a significant milestone for over 500 workers in the Canary Islands. This collective effort aims to enhance working conditions and financial stability for the retail workforce, reflecting a growing commitment to employee welfare within the company.

Comprehensive Overview of the Agreement

This collective agreement, negotiated between Primark and the unions CCOO and Fetico, will impact staff members across various locations, including Las Arenas, Alisios, and El Mirador in Gran Canaria, as well as the Meridiano shopping center in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The agreement stipulates a series of annual salary increases of 3% for three consecutive years, culminating in a total salary increase of 9% by the year 2028. This structured approach not only aims to improve the financial situation of employees but also seeks to foster a more motivated and satisfied workforce.

Salary Enhancements and Adjustments to Working Hours

Under the new terms of the agreement, the minimum salary for employees is projected to exceed €18,000 gross by 2026. In contrast, employees in higher-ranking positions are expected to see their salaries rise to €29,000 by the end of the agreement period. This substantial increase in compensation is designed to attract and retain talent within the company. Moreover, the agreement includes a gradual reduction in annual working hours, decreasing from the current total to 1,765 hours in 2026, followed by 1,760 hours in 2027, and finally 1,755 hours in 2028. This reduction in working hours is a significant step towards achieving a better work-life balance for employees, allowing them more time for personal pursuits and family commitments.

Improvements in Compensation for Weekend and Holiday Work

In addition to salary increases, the agreement introduces enhancements to compensation for employees who work on Sundays and holidays. The current bonus of €40 will see a progressive increase, rising to €45 in 2026, €50 in 2027, and reaching €55 in 2028. This adjustment addresses a crucial demand from the workforce, acknowledging the sacrifices made by employees who work during traditionally non-working days.

Antonio Pérez, the General Secretary of Fetico, expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, emphasizing that it establishes a stable framework for Primark while also underscoring the need for further advancements towards a national agreement for the textile sector. His remarks highlight the importance of ongoing dialogue between employers and unions to ensure that employee needs are met and that the retail sector continues to evolve positively.

Looking Ahead: Future Negotiations for a Sector-Wide Agreement

The employer association ARTE, which includes prominent companies such as Inditex, Mango, and Primark, is scheduled to resume negotiations for a sector-wide agreement on November 19. This follows a hiatus of over six months without progress, indicating a renewed commitment to addressing the broader challenges faced by the textile industry. The resumption of these negotiations is crucial, as it reinforces Primark’s dedication to the Canary Islands, where the company employs a significant number of individuals in the textile retail sector, totaling over 7,000 employees across Spain.

The upcoming negotiations are expected to focus on creating a more cohesive framework that benefits all employees within the sector, ensuring fair wages, improved working conditions, and enhanced job security. As Primark continues to expand its presence in the Canary Islands, the company remains committed to fostering a supportive environment for its workforce, which is essential for maintaining high levels of employee morale and productivity.

Key points

• Over 500 Primark employees in the Canary Islands will benefit from a new collective agreement.
• The agreement includes annual salary increases of 3% for three years, totaling a 9% increase by 2028.
• Minimum salaries will exceed €18,000 gross by 2026, with higher positions reaching €29,000.
• Working hours will gradually decrease to 1,755 hours annually by 2028.
• Compensation for Sunday and holiday work will increase from €40 to €55 by 2028.
• Negotiations for a sector-wide agreement will resume on November 19.
• Primark employs over 7,000 people across Spain, with a significant presence in the Canary Islands.