Comisiones Obreras has sent a letter to the Provincial Association of Hospitality and Tourism Employers of Albacete to urge the start of negotiations for the new collective agreement for the sector.
Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) has taken the first step to unblock the negotiation of the hospitality collective agreement in Albacete. The union has sent a formal letter to the Provincial Association of Hospitality and Tourism Employers (APEHT) in which, in addition to congratulating its new board of directors, it demands a specific date to sit down for negotiations.
A key sector for the local economy
The hospitality industry is one of the economic engines of the province of Albacete, with a significant weight in employment and tourism activity. However, the sector has been dragging the need to update a collective agreement that regulates the working conditions of thousands of workers for months.
In its letter, CCOO has emphasized the urgency of starting conversations. The union believes that the new agreement is a fundamental tool to guarantee job stability and improve the conditions for employees and employers.
“It is time to advance in a constructive dialogue that benefits all parties,” union sources state. The letter, beyond being a protocol gesture, seeks to build bridges after the electoral process that has renewed the APEHT board.
Expectations for a necessary dialogue
The re-election of David Giménez at the helm of APEHT opens a new phase that CCOO wants to take advantage of to unblock the negotiation. The union is confident that the employers will respond promptly to their request and set a schedule of meetings.
The hospitality collective agreement in Albacete affects hundreds of establishments and thousands of workers, from waiters to cooks, including cleaning and reception staff. The lack of an updated agreement generates uncertainty in a sector that is still recovering from the effects of the pandemic and inflation.
“We need a legal framework that provides legal security and reflects the new realities of the sector,” CCOO explains. Key points to be addressed would include salaries, working hours, breaks, and vocational training.
What to expect from the negotiation
For now, the ball is in APEHT's court. Employers must respond to CCOO's request and set a first meeting. If the dialogue progresses, the new agreement could be ready in the coming months, although the timelines will depend on the willingness of both parties.
For workers in the sector, the negotiation is an opportunity to improve their salary and working conditions. For employers, it represents the possibility of having a stable framework that facilitates the planning of their businesses.
The precedent of other provincial agreements, such as those in Toledo or Ciudad Real, where agreements were reached after intense negotiation processes, serves as a reference. In Albacete, the challenge is to achieve a text that balances the needs of employees and employers.
The expectation is that dialogue will begin in the coming weeks. CCOO has already shown its willingness to collaborate and has extended a hand to the new APEHT board. Now, it is time to wait for the employers' response.
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