Why the Airbus strike breaks union mold: "It's the workers who pull it"

Workers at Airbus have decided to maintain an indefinite strike with 81% of votes in favour, according to a report from 20minutos. The strike, which began on July 1 and was briefly interrupted during August holidays, has continued despite pressure from the company to suspend it. The workers are demanding better wages and protesting against internal cuts described as "unexplained" in a company with secured profits and future work for seven years. They are opposing reductions in remote work, the removal of a 100% temporary disability supplement, the withdrawal of public transport routes, the closure of the company cafeteria, and the elimination of educational aid for employees' children and pension plans. The strike has broken traditional patterns of industrial action, with workers taking the lead instead of unions. This shift is evident in the recent vote held on August 31, where the continuation of the strike was approved by 81.2% of voters, even though some union representatives had advised against it. According to Juan Pedro Torres, a CGT union delegate, this movement has gone beyond the control of all unions, marking a clear change in the paradigm of labor actions. The strike decisions are made through large assemblies attended by nearly all staff members. Since July 1, thousands of workers have gathered daily at Airbus plants, organizing themselves into working groups. These gatherings have become a striking visual symbol of worker solidarity, with participants proposing specific actions. Israel Paredes, president of the enterprise committee at Airbus Defence and Space and representative of SIPA, noted that the union's role has been limited to providing tools, emphasizing that this is a movement driven by the workers themselves. With 14,000 workers across Spain, including 9,000 at the Getafe factory, the workforce has overwhelmingly supported the strikes, pushing unions to take a secondary role. Unions commend the unity displayed by workers, particularly among those with diverse roles such as machinists, engineers, technicians, and administrative staff. This unprecedented level of solidarity, especially between shop floor workers and office-based employees, highlights a notable shift in labor dynamics. Engineers and other professionals in office roles have emerged as key drivers of the strike, a departure from past trends where shop floor workers were more vocal. One engineer noted that while wage demands have always come primarily from the shop floor, the office staff have become more active in recent months. The strike continues amid ongoing negotiations, with both sides set to meet again at the SIMA mediation center on September 1. The conflict, sparked by reduced remote work days, has intensified due to a series of salary devaluations and dissatisfaction over working conditions. The situation shows signs of expanding beyond Spain, with French union representatives planning meetings to assess developments and considering coordinated demonstrations in September. Workers in Getafe warn that the company’s refusal to show good faith in negotiations has further fueled the strike. They criticise the suspension of hiring in Spain and the threat to relocate work, arguing these actions have only increased tensions. The outcome of the latest vote underscores the growing strength and determination of the workers involved.