Lidl invests €280 million to boost wages and benefits for Spanish staff

Lidl, Spain’s largest supermarket chain with over 20,000 employees, reached a pre‑agreement on its fourth collective bargaining agreement (IV Convenio Colectivo) that will run until 2030. Under the deal the company will spend more than €280 million over the next four years – over €70 million in 2026 alone – effectively doubling the budget of the previous agreement.

The agreement guarantees a minimum cumulative wage increase of 15% by 2030, with at least a 4% rise in 2026 and a 3% annual rise thereafter. It also adds extended parental leave to 20 weeks, new childcare and medical benefits, greater flexibility for Sunday and holiday scheduling, and measures to support early retirement and child‑care. CEO Claus Grande said the plan puts “people at the centre” and aims to create a competitive, stable employment model. Lidl’s HR policies have earned it a ninth consecutive Top Employer certification.