Iberdrola seeks SIMA mediation over stalled labor agreement

Iberdrola has requested mediation through the Interconfederal Mediation and Arbitration Service (SIMA) following a deadlock in negotiations for its ninth collective bargaining agreement. The company claims that after more than 63 meetings since January 2025, labor unions have failed to act in good faith or provide constructive counterproposals.

Iberdrola reports having offered 60 improvements, including annual salary increases, enhanced work-life balance, increased social security contributions, and measures for vulnerable groups. The company states it has revised its economic proposal at least nine times.

In contrast, unions including UGT, CCOO, and ELA argue that workers have lost 19% of their purchasing power over the last five years. The unions are demanding wage guarantees linked to the real Consumer Price Index (CPI) rather than company-specific EBITDA parameters. They are also seeking a reduction of the work week to 35 hours. The dispute has already resulted in two national strikes involving approximately 9,000 workers.