Airbus workers strike in Getafe as local government backs employees

Around 4,000 Airbus employees in Getafe, Spain, have been on strike for two weeks, demanding higher wages, the retention of tele‑working days, better holiday flexibility and the enforcement of sick‑pay supplements. The protest began over the removal of two tele‑work days for administrative staff and quickly spread to workshops, engineers and other sites across the country.

The municipal government of Getafe, led by Mayor Sara Hernández, met with representatives of the workers' committee at city hall and publicly voiced its support for the strikers, calling Airbus a “symbol of the city” that should see its growth reflected in improved labour conditions. Unions have formed a strike committee that includes members from all unions and some worker observers, organising assemblies on the shop floor. Workers also highlight wage disparities, stagnant salaries, inflation pressures and the recent closure of the Puerto Real plant as part of their grievances.