News Briefs
A new agreement signed by olive oil producers and unions in Spain’s Jaén province approves a salary raise for approximately 100,000 workers.
The agreement covers the current harvest and will last for four years. Workers will be given a 3.25 percent wage increase in the 2022/2023 season.
This increase will bring an olive harvester’s salary to €57.40 per day. Operators of harvesting machines’ wages will rise to €59,96, €60.81 for tractor drivers, and €56.19 for the other workers.
The agreement also ensures another salary raise in the next season. That raise will be set for between 1 and 3.5 percent. Wages will grow from 1 to 3.5 percent in the following two years. Consumer price variations will determine the exact percentage.
In a note, the Association of Young Farmers (Asaja) said that the goal of the new agreement goes beyond “regulating working hours and other conditions between employer and employee.” It sets the conditions to “ensure social peace in the countryside and avoid breaches.”
Last November, Madrid approved new measures to protect seasonal workers’ rights and improve employment opportunities in the field.
Those measures reduced the number of workdays needed for agricultural workers to access unemployment support and agrarian income from 20 days to 10 days. The increased support is estimated to allow seasonal workers to collect €460 per month.
Financial support for olive oil producers and workers in Jaén is needed because of the expected severe drop in the region’s olive harvest. Jaén produces the majority of Spain’s olive oil.
See Also:In Jaén, Olive Oil Production Collapse Worse Than ExpectedA few days ago, the farming association COAG Jaén warned of a possible 140 thousand tons of olive oil for the current season, which would be a historic low for the province.
In addition to Asaja, the Confederation of Businessmen of Jaén, the Union of Small Farmers and Ranchers, the Workers General Union and the Workers’ Commission participated in the negotiations.
The new labor arrangement will be effective as soon as it is formally approved by the local authorities and published in Jaén’s Official Gazette.
More articles on: olive farming, olive harvest, Spain
Dec. 5, 2023
Soaring Expenses Strain Producers in Southern Europe
Olive oil producers in Spain, Italy and Greece are grappling with challenges that threaten the viability of the sector.
Jul. 24, 2023
Acclaimed Calabrian Producer Shares Insights on Blending, Organic Farming and Oleotourism
The producer behind Enotre discusses the challenges and opportunities for olive growers in Italy’s second-largest olive oil-producing region.
Jul. 20, 2023
Signs Suggest a Weak Harvest in Turkey
Official estimates will not be published until September, but producers in Turkey said cold and rainy weather combined with the earthquake has led to scarce fruit.
Mar. 7, 2024
Spanish Campaigners Lobby for Glyphosate Ban After EU Fails to Reach Consensus
The world’s most used herbicide was found in concentrations exceeding the legal limit in Mar Menor, spurring advocates to call for a ban in Spain.
Aug. 2, 2023
An Olive Oil as Unique as Its Producers
Over the past decade, Saša Petković and Vedrana Rakovac have transitioned from hobby growers to professional producers. But some things have not changed.
Feb. 7, 2024
Acesur CEO Highlights Andalusia's Key Role in Sector's Future
Gonzalo Guillén believes production capacity is the limiting factor to increase olive oil consumption and Andalusia remains best positioned to expand the market.
May. 9, 2024
Renewed Concerns of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Shortages in Spain
Extra virgin olive oil supplies from the world's largest producer are expected to fall short of both domestic demand and export needs, potentially signaling an impending global shortage.
Aug. 29, 2023
World Olive Oil Competition Southern Hemisphere Live Updates
The NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition is unveiling award winners in the Southern Hemisphere division of the annual quality contest. Olive Oil Times writers around the world are covering the results and reactions.