Airbus Spain staff return to their positions this Monday after rejecting the labour pre-agreement reached by the unions. The vote recorded an 81.44% turnout and a close result against.
Airbus Spain centres resumed normal activities this Monday after the staff rejected the pre-agreement reached between management and the ATP-SAe, CCOO, and SIPA unions in a referendum last Friday. The consultation, which had an 81.44% participation rate, yielded a very close result: 49.15% of workers voted against, compared to 45.95% who supported it, while 4.62% opted for abstention.
Despite the rejection, the social representation has decided to call off the strike, allowing activities to resume without incidents at all company plants, including those in the Community of Madrid (Getafe, Illescas, and Barajas). The company has acknowledged that the result necessitates opening "a period of deep reflection" for both management and worker representatives, admitting that a phase marked by uncertainty regarding the next steps in the negotiation process has begun.
The rejection of the pre-agreement prevents its entry into force and nullifies the negotiated document. The next step will be for the company and unions to analyse the consultation result and decide whether to resume negotiations to develop a new proposal that can gain the support of the staff. Although the cancellation of the strike reduces immediate tension and allows normalcy to return to the factories, the labour conflict remains open.
This result represents an unusual scenario in the labour relations of Airbus Spain: the staff has rejected the agreement reached by their representatives with the company, forcing a rethinking of the negotiating strategy without, for the moment, a new meeting schedule or an alternative proposal on the table.
The signing unions also face a difficult situation, as the voting result reveals a loss of trust among workers in these organisations. The Independent Union of Aeronautical Professionals (SIPA), which called the strike and was later joined by other unions, steps aside, understanding that it no longer represents the majority sentiment of the staff.
The next critical date on the calendar will be August 24, when the three-week holiday period for Airbus centres in Spain ends. Another strike, this time indefinite, could then begin. The concern of the conveners is that the company may decide to implement the first proposal, agreed with CCOO and also rejected, which would nullify some of the improvements in working conditions included in the second proposal.
For the workers in the Community of Madrid, especially those at the Getafe and Illescas plants, returning to normalcy offers a respite, but uncertainty persists. The company has called for calm, respect for dialogue, and to work towards finding a way forward. For now, activities are proceeding normally, awaiting the parties to resume discussions.
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