The referendum has a very high turnout (94%), and despite the fact that the ‘no’ won the workshops, the broad support gained in the offices and the telematic vote tipped the balance in support of the preliminary agreement the union has reached majority (CC.OO., UGT, Ekintza and PIM).
Euskaraz irakurri: Gasteizko Mercedeseko langileen % 57k hitzarmena berritzeko aurreakordioaren alde egin dute
A majority, in particular 57%of the workforce (2,601 people) of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vitoria-Gasteiz has signed the preliminary agreement reached between the trade union majority (CC. OO., UGT, Ekintza and PIM) and the leaders around the extension of the collective labor agreement of the plant. Despite the uncertainty that existed until the last moment about the possible outcome – with a high level of conflict, with nine strikes forcing production to stop – the workers have given a sufficiently clear answer, paving the way for the announced investment of the millionaire.
The very high turnout (94.69%) in yesterday’s referendum, Monday, realize the importance of the vote. The Mercedes-Benz plant is the largest company in the Basque Country, with 5,000 employees. Likewise, the factory supports an additional 30,000 indirect jobs.
According to data provided by union sources, 43% of staff (1939 people) voted against of the preliminary agreement, in line with the appeal of ELA, LAB and ESK (14 representatives), critical of the agreement reached by the rest of the plants, as the salary increase is “inadequate”.
The results differ per workplace. While in offices the “yes” has been wiped out (90% of employees supported the agreement), the “no” is imposed in workshops (at 52%).
Union assessment
The signatory unions of the preliminary agreement (CC. OO., UGT, Ekintza and PIM, 17 deputies) have welcomed the recognition of the staff. DC. OO. has described the result of the referendum as a “historic decision”. “It was essential for the future of the factory as it will involve the largest investment in its history and above all will improve the conditions of the workforce,” he explained in a statement.
Speaking with Euskadi Irratia, Mikel Díaz de Alda (LABORATORY) explained that despite the fact that the “no” vote has won in the workshops, the total number is ultimately leaning towards “yes”, mainly thanks to the clear support obtained in offices and in the telematic voting. However, the union is “happy” with the mobilizations of staff in recent weeks, who have managed to halt production during the nine days of strike.
“The staff have shown that they have fought and want to fight for decent working conditions and that this is the way to achieve better working conditions in the next agreements,” he added.
It’s a statement, THE A has appreciated “the period of struggle” of the workforce, whose mobilizations marked “a turning point in the history of the trade union struggle at Mercedes” and put the negotiations in “a better situation than the one in which the company and its allies held” .
Likewise, he has emphasized the ‘no’ given by the workshop, as the measures will be applied to it. Likewise, he has criticized both the circumstances in which the referendum was held and “the role of the Basque government, which exerts direct pressure on the Mercedes staff, so that they submissively accept a message that is incorrect: the companies’ investment decisions do not depend on are of the templates that accept cuts or attacks on the mediation”.
What is in the preliminary agreement?
According to the document finally supported, the template has a raise consolidated rate of 6% in 2022 and an annual increase of 2.25% between 2023 and 2026, on top of the withdrawal from the ‘sixth night’.
The agreement also proposes the retirement of more than 250 people through assistance contracts, for operators who meet current legal requirements. In addition to the conversion of 400 temporary contracts into undetermined time150 of them at the signing of the agreement.
In addition, they collect goal-based payments; if the production of 200,000 vehicles per year is exceeded, 500 euros will be awarded; and a profit distribution of 2,250 euros per year based on indicators.
Assessment of settings
The Mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz, Gorka Urtaranhas assured that the approval Mercedes Vitoria staff has given to the pre-deal is a “huge step to consolidate an important investment”.
In the same vein, the Deputy Minister of Industry of the Basque governmentMikel Amundarain, has described the support of the Alava plant’s staff as an “important step”, which he believes “closes” the investment of 1.2 billion announced by the multinational and “gives stability to industrial relations in a context of great uncertainty”.
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Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
