H&M shop workers in Spain have decided to cancel their planned strikes scheduled for July following an agreement reached with the company regarding their demands. The workers had been advocating for higher wages and a reduced workload, and had initially threatened to strike on July 1 and 8.
As part of the newly established terms, H&M has committed to providing an additional 1,000 euros ($1,091) to shop assistants in Spain over the next 14 months. Furthermore, the company has agreed to introduce monthly bonuses linked to sales performance until 2025.
The agreement was reached after negotiations involving H&M, the CCOO, and UGT unions. The deal has been praised by the unions as a significant victory for workers, as it will improve their pay and working conditions.
H&M, with approximately 91 stores in Spain and around 4,000 employees, recognized the potential impact of the strikes, especially during the crucial summer sales season.
This agreement indicates that H&M is open to collaborating with unions to address its workforce’s pay and conditions. It also shows the company’s recognition of the rising cost of living in Spain.
The strikes had garnered support from other unions in Spain, shedding light on the challenges faced by retail workers throughout the country. The retail sector has faced significant hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in declining wages and deteriorating working conditions.
The agreement reached between H&M and the unions is a positive development, and it is hoped that it will establish a precedent for other retailers operating in Spain.
