In Spain, a truck drivers' strike is being prepared for December 23–24 — just before Christmas. Employers warn of possible supply disruptions, but the scale of the action is still unknown: the CCOO union must publicly clarify the protest calendar on November 16.
As reported by EFE agency on November 15, employers' associations CETM and Fenadismer confirmed receipt of a notice from the SIMA mediation and arbitration service about the dispute resolution procedure before the expected strike.
The notice mentions December 23 and 24, but CCOO itself, in response to EFE's request, has not yet confirmed the dates. The union refers to a press conference on Monday, November 16, where it intends to present the mobilization schedule.
For trade, warehouses, and companies expecting road deliveries in Spain, what matters is the coincidence of the planned action with the last days of Christmas sales. Fenadismer warns of possible damage to transport companies and supply chains. However, there is still no data on the number of participants, cancellation of specific shipments, or delays in orders.
The reason for the conflict is the delay in deciding on early retirement for professional drivers. The union is seeking the introduction of reduced pension age coefficients: they should allow workers to retire earlier than the general term without a penalty reduction in pension. This benefit still remains under consideration, rather than being a rule in force for the entire sector.
According to Diario de Transporte, as early as late October, CCOO agreed to prepare protests, declaring that the necessary administrative procedures were being delayed.
A special feature of the dispute is that employers support the pension demand but oppose the strike. In a statement of November 14, Fenadismer recalled that transport associations, together with unions, had been working towards the introduction of the relevant mechanism.
The federation believes that the protest should be addressed to the social security bodies responsible for considering the application, not to carriers. Fenadismer intends to participate in the mediation procedure and calls on CCOO to reconsider the preparation of the action.
For Ukrainians working in Spanish logistics, trucking, and trade, the upcoming important news is the final conditions of participation and the outcome of negotiations. Entrepreneurs planning supplies for those dates need to check the execution of specific routes with their carrier: there is no general confirmation of a delivery stoppage.
Tourists should consider the boundaries of communication: the notice concerns road freight transport. It does not confirm the cancellation of passenger buses, airport transfers, or the stoppage of all transport in Spain. There are also no grounds yet to speak of an inevitable shortage of goods.
Sources: EFE, Fenadismer, Diario de Transporte.
