Spanish Truck Drivers Avert Strikes: A Push for Fair Retirement

Truck drivers in Spain have halted planned strikes after unions set a course to improve employment conditions. However, bus drivers plan to proceed with industrial action. Discussions over enhancing retirement terms for freight drivers are ongoing, with potential impacts on economic stability noted from previous strikes.

Spain's truck drivers have postponed a series of strikes slated to commence on October 28, aiming for an advancement in retirement conditions. This decision follows a statement from the trade union CCOO on Friday.

Conversely, bus drivers have maintained their intent to go ahead with industrial action due to a lack of resolution. The unions are now collaborating with CETM, an association of freight businesses across Spain, to formulate a new proposal within 20 days addressing improvements for truck drivers' employment conditions, including adjustments to the retirement age of 67.

A prolonged truckers' strike in 2022 notably disrupted Spanish supply chains, leading to food shortages and escalating inflation, underscoring the crucial economic role these drivers play.

(With inputs from agencies.)