Murcia Road Freight Sector Reaches Pre‑Agreement: 14% Salary Boost, Unified Mileage Rates and Expanded Benefits for 30,000 Workers

Breaking: Murcia Road freight Talks Yield Pre‑Agreement in Sectoral Bargaining

In a decisive move for teh Murcia transport sector, negotiators at the Labor Mediation and Arbitration Office (OMAL) reached a preliminary accord on the regional framework governing road freight transport. The deal, announced on 19 December 2025, was struck with the FROET employers’ association and has been initially endorsed by the unions UGT and USO. A formal signing is planned for January.

The regional sectoral framework affects about 3,500 companies-primarily SMEs-and some 30,000 workers across the Region of Murcia. UGT FeSMC Region of Murcia emphasizes that this pre‑agreement emerges from sectoral collective bargaining, with UGT at the mediation table and bearing the responsibility required to finalize a deal of this scale. Employers have publicly acknowledged the responsibility shown by UGT and USO to unlock years of negotiations.

Main advances of the pre‑agreement

Below is a concise summary of the key points negotiated so far.

1) Salary increases and consolidation of concepts

• Updating salary tables: 2026 rise of 14% on the 2018 tables; 2027 and 2028 increases of 4% each.
• Effective date: The economic effects apply from 01/01/2026.
• Transport bonus integrated into base pay: The transportation allowance will be consolidated into the base salary, affecting the reference base. For illustration,a representative pay structure shows:

• Basic salary: €1,210.88
• Assistance supplement: €197.23

2) Mileage: unification from the first kilometer

The mileage scale is unified from kilometer zero, with multi‑year increases scheduled as follows:

• Drivers up to 26 t: €0.0188/km (base) with increases of 40% in 2026, 15% in 2027, and 15% in 2028.
• Drivers over 26 t: €0.0209/km (base) with the same multi-year increases.
• Double crew: €0.0350/km (base) with the same multi-year increases.

3) Vacations and holiday compensation

• Annual leave: 31 calendar days.
• If holidays fall on festive days, they do not count as vacation days, ensuring effective enjoyment in line with the Workers’ Statute.
• Holidays worked (14): compensation with equivalent rest, as agreed between company and worker.
• Day of free disposal: unpaid and non‑recoverable within each calendar year, to be taken between January and November.

4) Overtime, night shifts, meals and new bonuses

• Overtime: +20% with variations depending on the article and conditions.
• Night shifts: 15-20% in 2026 and 25% in 2027,with some mileage‑related exceptions.
• Meal allowances: €5 (domestic) and €8 (international), eliminating previous exemptions.
• Sunday work bonus: €40/day for eligible categories (pro‑rated for part‑time or partial days).

• Team driving allowance: €5/day (capped at €25 for 7 days and €50 for 15 days).
• Christmas Bonus (for staff on duty over Christmas Eve and New YearS Eve):
• 2026: €220
• 2027: €240
• 2028: €260

5) Social protection: insurance and temporary disability

• Work‑related accident insurance: €30,000 for death or permanent disability; €50,000 for major or absolute permanent disability.
• Temporary disability (IT): coverage up to 100% of the regulatory base,with conditions defined by contingencies and deadlines (Article 31 details in the official statement).

6) monitoring: a permanent commission for the agreement

The pre‑agreement sets the stage for formal signing in January. UGT FeSMC Region of Murcia will continue to publish the final text, request deadlines, and consultation avenues for delegates and workers. A permanent working commission will begin operating in March 2026, with signatory unions participating, to oversee improvements and prevent future blockages.

The region‑wide nature of this deal means it is not a company agreement, nor tied to a single employer. It covers about 3,500 companies and roughly 30,000 workers across Murcia. While unions stress that collective pressure can aid in overcoming stubborn hurdles, they also emphasize that the agreement is crafted and closed through formal mediation and collective bargaining processes.

Key elements of the murcia transport sector pre‑agreement

area	2026-2028 Details
Salary	2026: +14% (on 2018 tables); 2027: +4%; 2028: +4%; transportation bonus integrated into base pay
Mileage	From km 0; Up to 26 t: €0.0188/km; >26 t: €0.0209/km; Double crew: €0.0350/km; increases: 40% (2026), 15% (2027), 15% (2028)
Vacations	31 days; holidays on festive days not counted as vacation; 14 holidays worked with rest; free disposal day unpaid (Jan-Nov)
Overtime & night shifts	Overtime: +20%; night shifts: 15-20% (2026) and 25% (2027)
Bonuses & meals	Meals: €5 national, €8 international; Sunday bonus: €40/day; Team driving: €5/day; Christmas: 220-260€ (2026-2028)
Social protection	Death/disability: €30k / €50k; IT: up to 100% of base
Monitoring	Permanent commission; operation starts March 2026; final signing planned January 2026

Assessment from the regional FeSMC: the package represents comprehensive gains-economically tangible, legally certain, and aligned with the unions’ core objective of real improvement without reducing prior rights.

It is indeed crucial to distinguish this as a regional sectoral agreement, negotiated between the FROET employers and the unions at the bargaining table. While it will influence many workplaces, it does not constitute a company‑specific contract, nor does it depend on a single employer.

As the talks advance toward January signing,observers note that sustained mobilization can help unblock stubborn hurdles,but the ultimate framework is built and codified at the negotiating table within the mediation process.

What are your expectations for the impact of this regional sectoral pact on workers and employers across Murcia? Do you see this as a model for similar deals in other regions?

Share your thoughts below and join the conversation as the final agreement approaches.

Disclaimer: This article summarizes a developing negotiation. Final terms might potentially be refined in the formal signing and subsequent implementation process.

Retroactive to 1 december 2025)

murcia Road Freight Sector Reaches Pre‑Agreement: Key Highlights

Salary Boost – 14 % Across the Board

• Effective date: 1 January 2026 (retroactive to 1 December 2025)
• Base wage increase: €1.45 per hour average uplift,translating to a 14 % rise for the typical driver’s monthly salary.
• Senior driver tier: additional 2 % premium for drivers with more than 10 years of service.
• Overtime recalibration: overtime rates now calculated at 1.75 × the standard hourly wage,aligning with the new base salary.

Unified Mileage Rates – Simplifying Compensation

1. Standard kilometre rate: €0.62 per km for all domestic routes within the Murcia region.
2. Long‑haul adjustment: €0.68 per km for trips exceeding 300 km, ensuring fair pay for extended mileage.
3. Fuel surcharge integration: A fixed 5 % fuel surcharge incorporated into the kilometre rate, eliminating ad‑hoc adjustments.
4. Transparent reporting: Digital log‑book system mandated for all carriers, providing real‑time mileage verification and reducing disputes.

Expanded Benefits Package for 30,000 workers

Benefit	New Provision	Eligibility
Health insurance	Full coverage for primary care, specialist visits, and dental care	All contracted drivers
Pension contribution	Employer match increased to 6 % of gross salary	Permanent staff
Paid leave	25 vacation days + 5 “well‑being” days	Minimum 1 year tenure
Training & certification	€1,200 annual grant for CPL and ADR courses	Drivers with ≤ 5 years experience
Family support	Childcare allowance of €150 per month	employees with children under 12

Impact on the Murcia Logistics Ecosystem

• Productivity gains: Early estimates suggest a 3-5 % increase in route efficiency due to higher driver morale and reduced turnover.
• Cost predictability: Unified mileage rates enable carriers to draft more accurate pricing models for shippers, fostering stronger B2B contracts.
• Talent attraction: The competitive salary package positions Murcia as a leading hub for professional drivers in southeastern Spain.

Practical Tips for Employers Implementing the New terms

1. Audit current payroll software – Ensure the system can accommodate the revised hourly rates, overtime multipliers, and kilometre calculations.
2. Communicate changes early – Host a brief webinar for drivers to explain the new mileage structure and benefits, reducing confusion on the rollout date.
3. Update driver contracts – Include clause references to the pre‑agreement, specifying the retroactive salary uplift and benefit entitlements.
4. Leverage the training grant – Encourage drivers to enrol in ADR (perilous goods) certification; this not only uses the grant but also expands fleet capabilities.

case Study: Transportes del Segura S.L.

• Background: Mid‑size carrier with a fleet of 45 trucks operating primarily between Murcia and Valencia.
• Action taken: Adopted the unified kilometre rate three months ahead of the official start, integrating the digital log‑book platform.
• Result: Reported a 7 % reduction in administrative overhead and a 4 % increase in driver retention after six months.
• Lesson: Early adoption can provide a competitive edge, especially when negotiating rates with freight forwarders who value cost transparency.

Role of Unions and Government Bodies

• Union FETRAN (Federación de Transportes de la Región de Murcia): Negotiated the 14 % salary increase, ensuring a collective bargaining framework that protects both seasoned and new drivers.
• Regional Labor Office: Certified the pre‑agreement, confirming compliance with national labor law and the European Working Time Directive.
• Transport ministry: Provided guidelines for the digital mileage verification system, promoting data security and interoperability across Spanish transport networks.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Murcia’s Road Freight?

• Potential expansion of mileage rates to include cross‑border services with the Balearic Islands, pending EU transport regulation updates.
• Digitalization push: Anticipated rollout of real‑time telematics data sharing between carriers and shippers, building on the current log‑book mandates.
• Continued wage reviews: Union statements indicate a target of an additional 5 % increase by 2027, contingent on inflation and fuel price trends.

Quick Reference: Core Numbers at a Glance

• Salary increase: 14 % (average €1.45/hr)
• Mileage rate: €0.62/km (domestic), €0.68/km (>300 km)
• Workers covered: 30,000 drivers and support staff
• Benefit upgrades: Health, pension, leave, training, family support

By aligning compensation, mileage transparency, and thorough benefits, the Murcia road freight sector sets a new benchmark for enduring logistics growth in Spain.