Casty's workforce in Talavera de la Reina will have a new labour framework following the signing of the company's first collective agreement, which includes an average salary increase of 8% for 2026 and a gradual reduction of the maximum annual working hours.
The management of Casty and the Works Committee, fully represented by UGT FICA, have signed the company's first collective agreement at its Talavera de la Reina plant. The agreement was endorsed by 266 votes in favour out of 396 cast in a secret ballot, following prior informational assemblies.
The new text, which replaces the old categorisation system with one based on professional groups, guarantees the maintenance of the workforce's purchasing power. For the year 2026, the average salary increase will be 8%, once the remuneration is updated to reflect the actual functions performed by each worker.
The salary update is retroactive from January 1, 2026, meaning employees will receive the corresponding back pay at the time of its publication. For the remainder of the agreement's duration, salaries will be updated according to the actual CPI, with the guarantee that if the CPI is negative, remuneration will not be reduced.
Additionally, the agreement consolidates a seniority bonus, establishes specific bonuses for work under special conditions, and regulates the compensations associated with these working systems. A paid leave of up to 12 hours per year has also been agreed for personal medical appointments or accompanying minor children and dependent persons, a measure that expands general legal rights.
Regarding working hours, the maximum annual hours will be reduced from the current 1,824 hours to 1,800 hours in 2026 and 2027, and to 1,792.5 hours starting in 2028. This gradual reduction aims to improve work-life balance and rest for the workforce, which consists of around 400 employees dedicated to the production of ice creams and frozen desserts.
In terms of social protection, the agreement guarantees that those who suffer a workplace accident will receive 100% of their salary during temporary incapacity, supplementing the Social Security benefit. A collective accident insurance of 20,000 euros is also established for cases of death or permanent incapacity resulting from workplace accidents.
The agreement reinforces commitments to equality, non-discrimination, work-life balance, and occupational health and safety, providing a stable framework that offers legal security to both workers and the company for the coming years.
UGT FICA has valued the signing as a milestone for the company, highlighting that, despite obstacles and a complicated negotiation, an agreement has been reached that represents a significant advance. The union emphasises that the path of dialogue and responsibility has been key to achieving the best possible outcome.
For the workers of Casty in Talavera, the agreement means tangible improvements in salary, working time, and social protection from now on, with the back pay for 2026 about to be received and a clear roadmap for the coming years.
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