Airbus reaches preliminary deal with Spanish unions after weeks of strikes

• The agreement was reached with unions UGT, ATP, CCOO and SIPA through mediation by Spain's Industry Ministry after months of negotiations over pay and working conditions
• The deal includes recovery of lost purchasing power plus inflation-linked wage increases, and addresses workplace issues including mobility, canteen services and flexibility
• Spain's Industry Minister called it 'a magnificent step forward' for Airbus's industrial future in the country and for attracting future investment through social dialogue

Summary: Airbus Reaches Preliminary Deal with Spanish Unions After Strikes

Key Development:

Airbus has secured a preliminary labor agreement with four major Spanish unions (UGT, ATP, CCOO, and SIPA) on September 4, 2026, potentially ending weeks of strikes at the planemaker's Spanish facilities. The deal requires workforce approval through a binding referendum.

Key Parties:

• Airbus executives: CEO Guillaume Faury, Chief HR Officer Carmen-Maja Rex, and Spain President Francisco Javier Sanchez Segura formally backed the proposal
• Spanish Industry Minister Jordi Hereu mediated negotiations
• Unions representing over 80% of Airbus Spain workers support the agreement

Deal Components:

The agreement addresses the core labor dispute over pay and working conditions following months of negotiations. According to Minister Hereu, key provisions include:

• Recovery of lost purchasing power
• Inflation-linked wage increases
• Workplace improvements covering mobility, canteen services, and flexibility

Market Implications:

Minister Hereu characterized the deal as "a magnificent step forward" for Airbus' industrial future in Spain, emphasizing its importance for:

• Maintaining production stability at Spanish plants
• Attracting future industrial investment
• Demonstrating effective social dialogue

Next Steps:

The proposal will proceed to a binding referendum of the entire workforce. If approved, this would resolve the labor disruption that has impacted operations at Airbus' Spanish facilities in recent weeks.

The agreement represents a significant development for Airbus' European manufacturing operations and could restore normal production levels once ratified.