Employment

Strike at Altadis Factory in Cantabria Enters Second Day with Strong Worker Support

Background and Context

In the picturesque region of Cantabria, Spain, a significant labor dispute has unfolded at the Altadis tobacco factory, a major employer in the area. The strike, which began on January 8, 2025, has garnered substantial support from the factory's workforce.

High Level of Worker Participation

As the strike enters its second day, it is clear that the majority of the plant's employees are firmly behind the action. Nearly 90% of the factory's staff have participated in the strike, indicating a strong consensus among workers regarding the grievances that led to this industrial action.

Significant Labor Reforms Set to Transform Spain’s Workplaces in 2025

As the year 2025 unfolds, Spain is on the cusp of major labor reforms that promise to revolutionize the workplace environment for both locals and expats. These changes, driven by agreements between the Spanish government and trade unions, are designed to enhance work-life balance, improve working conditions, and adapt to modern labor standards.

Reduction of Working Hours

One of the most notable changes is the reduction of the standard working week from 40 hours to 37.5 hours per week on an annual average. This historic agreement, clinched by Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz with the main trade unions CCOO and UGT, marks the first significant overhaul of Spain’s workweek since the 1980s. By December 31, 2025, all sectors, including those with existing collective bargaining agreements, must comply with this new maximum working week[1][3][5].

Union CCOO Alleges Rights Violation in Sierrallana-Tres Mares Health Management

In a significant development that has sparked concern among healthcare workers in the Cantabria region of Spain, the Workers' Commissions (CCOO) union has denounced the Sierrallana-Tres Mares Health Management for allegedly violating the rights of employees to request reduced working hours for caregiving purposes.

The Complaint

The CCOO union has filed a formal complaint, highlighting instances where employees have been denied the right to reduce their working hours to care for family members, a right protected under Spanish labor laws. This denial is seen as a direct infringement on the workers' rights and has led to widespread dissatisfaction among the staff.

Indefinite Strike at Altadis Cigar Factory in Cantabria, Spain

In a significant labor dispute, workers at the Altadis cigar-making factory in Entrambasaguas, Cantabria, Spain, have initiated an indefinite strike starting Tuesday, January 8, 2025. This industrial action is driven by the workers' concerns over a severe personnel shortage and its impact on their working conditions.

Background and Reasons for the Strike

The strike involves approximately 135 factory workers who are members of the General Union of Workers (UGT). The primary grievance is the chronic understaffing at the factory, which has led to increased workload and stress for the existing employees. The workers argue that the current staffing levels are unsustainable and pose serious risks to their health and safety.

Significant Changes in Spanish Labor Laws and Justice System Set to Take Effect

In a series of significant developments, Spain is poised to implement several key changes in its labor laws and justice system, impacting both employers and employees, particularly relevant for expats living and working in the country.

New Legislation on Public Justice Service Efficiency

On January 3, 2025, Organic Law 1/2025, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the Public Justice Service, was published. This law will come into force on April 3, 2025, and introduces substantial amendments to the Spanish judicial system. One of the critical aspects of this law is the modification of the Workers' Statute (Estatuto de los Trabajadores)[1].