The agreement, reached on 24 October with the Spanish Road Transport Confederation (CETM) and the CC.OO. and UGT unions, was formally approved by Fenadismer’s General Assembly on 29 October. This ratification clears the way for the Spanish road transport sector to begin the formal administrative process of introducing early retirement arrangements for professional drivers.
This new agreement, which covers only employed drivers of vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, includes provisions such as mandatory medical examinations and random drug and alcohol testing, as well as reduced contribution rates for companies.
Fenadismer will pursue a separate framework for self-employed drivers, advocating early retirement measures that take account of their specific working conditions.
Strike averted: Union demands continue
This agreement also averted a strike initially scheduled for 28 October, organised by CC.OO. and UGT, which represent around 70% of the sector.
The unions had planned a series of walkouts through December, with an indefinite strike set to begin on 23 December if retirement demands remained unresolved.
The unions argued that the current retirement age of 67 does not account for the profession’s physical and safety risks, especially for those transporting vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
Key provisions of the agreement
The agreement covers a range of worker protections and regulatory changes designed to support early retirement and improve occupational safety. Under the new framework, periodic medical examinations for drivers will be mandatory, and companies will have the authority to conduct random drug and alcohol tests.
Additionally, the agreement seeks to reduce the work-related accident contribution rate from 6.7% to 3.7% and to implement a digital system to monitor driver authorisations, aligning with recent traffic law reforms.
The unions and CETM will also press for financial support aimed at enhancing safety in the transport sector, including proposed subsidies for companies investing in vehicles that meet the latest safety standards.
Other provisions seek to streamline driver training, including expanding access to vocational qualifications and permitting certain training pathways without the prerequisite of a Class C licence.
A divided industry
Fenadismer has expressed concerns over the pace of negotiations, noting that the rapid timeline prevented some business organisations from forming a unified stance. The association also highlighted potential impacts on the sector, which is already experiencing driver shortages.
Nevertheless, they acknowledge that early retirement provisions may attract younger drivers to the industry.
Fenadismer intends to advocate for early retirement benefits tailored to self-employed drivers, aiming to address their specific working conditions within the retirement framework.