Airbus unions boycott mediation ahead of planned Spanish strikes

Labor unions UGT, CGT, and ÚTIL have declined to attend a scheduled mediation meeting with Airbus negotiators at the Interconfederal Mediation and Arbitration Service (SIMA). The unions stated they will not participate unless the company provides a written proposal that improves upon previous offers.

The dispute centers on demands for increased purchasing power to offset losses since the pandemic and improved working conditions, specifically regarding remote work. Workers highlighted that Airbus reported record net profits of 5.221 billion euros for 2025, a 23% increase from the previous year.

If an agreement is not reached, a three-hour strike is scheduled for Monday, August 24, across all Airbus sites in Spain, potentially escalating into an indefinite strike starting Tuesday, August 25. Airbus has engaged the law firm Baker McKenzie to assist in negotiations to mitigate impacts on aircraft delivery schedules.