Iberdrola's unions have called for more than 9,000 employees in Spain to go on strike

Iberdrola's unions have called for 9,000 workers to strike in Spain on Friday in order to demand higher wages and shorter working hours. They claim that this would be the first time in more than 100 years of the company to see such a stoppage.

A representative of the CCOO union said on Wednesday that Europe's biggest utility increased the wages of their workers in Spain by an average 2.8% from 2021 to 2024, despite inflation being 19%.

The representative stated that the unions, who represent a majority, demand Iberdrola tie salary increases to inflation in order to prevent workers from losing purchasing power. Talks have been ongoing with Iberdrola since January.

The union representative stated that this would be the company's first strike in over a century.

The cost of the project is small compared to the profits that the company earns every year, he said.

According to data from the company, Iberdrola’s net profit for 2024 will increase by 17% compared to last year.

Iberdrola's spokesperson said that the company offers "almost unbeatable benefits" and a favorable environment for its employees in terms of salaries, professional development, and work-life harmony. The management is also eager to continue talking with unions.

Spanish law requires that utility workers guarantee a minimum level of service. This means there will be no power outages during the strike. Iberdrola must have at least 1,100 employees on duty to ensure service. (Reporting and editing by Sharon Singleton and Kirt Donovan, Kirt Donovan, Javi West Larranaga)

(source: Reuters)