On October 24, 2024, Spanish unions Fsc-Ccoo and Fesmc-Ugt, along with the freight transport association Cetm, reached an agreement that led to the suspension of a planned strike on the same day. The main point of the agreement is a joint request for the government to extend early retirement benefits to industrial vehicle drivers and mechanics. The agreement also covers other significant issues. It was reached through mediation by the Interconfederal Mediation and Arbitration Service, emphasizing that the aging of truck drivers negatively impacts reflexes and attention, thereby increasing road risks.
The agreement also includes measures for occupational risk prevention, such as regular medical examinations and random alcohol and drug testing for drivers, aiming to improve road safety and minimize risks on the job. Furthermore, the signatories have made several requests to government entities. These include asking the Ministry of Labor and Social Security to compensate for increased social security contributions resulting from reduction coefficients, and urging the Ministry of Education to integrate driver training into the programs for Intermediate Level vocational education and training.
The agreement also calls for incentives to reduce workplace accidents, including a reduction in contributions for companies with low accident rates and the creation of a subsidy program to help companies purchase modern vehicles equipped with the latest safety technologies.
