The workforce of Dragados Offshore in Puerto Real has ratified the pre-agreement reached between the unions UGT, USO, and CSIF and the company's management. Out of 930 votes cast, 526 were in favor of the document, 364 against, 25 blank, and 15 null. This majority support paves the way for the official ratification of the agreement, which will be presented next Monday to the Extrajudicial System for Labor Dispute Resolution of Andalusia (Sercla).
Among the main union demands were a salary review for all employees, a special bonus to be paid in full upon signing the agreement, and the adjustment of summer working hours to match the 1,748 annual hours stipulated in the collective bargaining agreement. Additionally, the unions sought to eliminate discrimination in access to jobs for employees' children and to find solutions to the recurring parking difficulties near the factory.
The preliminary agreement supported by the workers addresses three fundamental points. Firstly, it establishes a salary improvement that exceeds what is provided in the metal industry agreement for the years 2026 and 2027, setting an increase equivalent to the CPI plus half a percentage point. Furthermore, the remuneration of supervisors, team leaders, and other technical profiles is regularized, with their supplements, previously integrated into productivity, now becoming a specific concept. Finally, the agreement regulates the working hours of administrative and technical staff, aligning them with the metal industry agreement and incorporating intensive working hours for this group.
“"The objective of the negotiations has been to guarantee the future of this company."
The company has also committed to expanding the number of parking spaces by approximately 300, as well as increasing the number of restrooms for workers. The company, which has nearly tripled its workforce due to workload, will seek to contact the Port Authority to enable more space and the Puerto Real City Council to implement shuttle buses to facilitate access to the factory.
The scarcity of parking has been a constant concern for the hundreds of workers who come to the plant daily in three shifts, forcing them to park far away and walk or to organize shared transportation. This situation has even led to the Port Police fining offenders for improper parking with penalties of 200 euros. Regarding restrooms, management has promised to acquire new facilities to meet the demand of the growing workforce.
