Transport company: importance of collective agreements

In this post, we are going to talk about the collective agreement of the transport of goods by road. But first, let's talk about collective agreements. Do we know what exactly a collective agreement is? How does it affect us? A collective agreement is a source of rules that regulates the duties and rights that exist in the relationship between an employer and a worker. Depending on the profession or the established minimums, some things or others can be agreed upon, with both parties reaching an agreement. The collective agreement is a legal norm and a labor law that regulates working conditions in the labor sector at the territorial level and is mandatory, which is why it binds both parties (worker and employer). Some key aspects that are usually included in these agreements should be presented, along with the importance of being signed by the business organization. It establishes a series of legal provisions that regulate working conditions, salaries, working hours, breaks, vacations and other specific labor aspects of the sector. The collective agreement in the Community of Madrid is managed by the General Directorate of Labor of the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Employment. The base salary plus seniority vary according to the region and the specific year, since these agreements can be negotiated at the provincial or regional level and can be updated periodically.

What regulates a collective agreement in transport?

As we have indicated previously, the collective agreement regulates the working conditions of workers and in the transport sector it affects not only its workers, but also the transporters, which is the latest improvement that the collective agreement for the transport of goods by road has had.

The last update at the national level took place on September 7, 2020, in which they wanted to facilitate the management of the company, the quality of life of its workers, in particular its drivers, and promote the hiring of driving personnel.

This agreement It is valid until December 31, 2021, where it will be reviewed again and the new measures will be presented to reach new agreements by both parties. Collective agreements are reviewed at the state level before their effective date arrives to reach agreements again. Decree 1561/1995 is a regulation of the Spanish government that regulates certain labor aspects in the country. It was approved on September 21, 1995 and establishes specific standards on working hours in various sectors and professionals.

Basic Labour Conditions

The collective agreement sets the minimum conditions that transport companies must meet, including base salaries, overtime, night shifts and days of rest. It also establishes standards on road safety, vocational training and prevention of occupational risks. These conditions seek to protect the transportation worker while maintaining the competitiveness of the logistics sector in the national and international market.

 Benefits for employees and clients

Collective agreements benefit both workers and clients of the transportation of goods. Employees gain legal security and decent working conditions, while clients benefit from a more professional and stable service. By regulating aspects such as professional qualifications and driving times, the quality of transport service and road safety is improved.

Transport of goods by road: legal and labor framework

The legal framework for road transport in Spain combines national legislation, European directives and collective agreements. It regulates essential aspects such as driving and rest times, weights and dimensions, international transport and dangerous goods. This framework guarantees fair working conditions while maintaining the efficiency of the logistics sector, crucial for the Spanish economy. At the regional level, the communities have their own collective agreement which they reach through agreements reached by the UGT and CCOO union representatives.

Specific cases: collective agreement in Madrid

The Madrid agreement tells you everything related to the night bonus, allowances, vacations, working hours... But in the event that this agreement does not exist, you would have to resort to the Agreement established by the BOE, in which it is also indicated.In this latest update, a salary increase of 1.5% has been agreed for 2021 and a new calculation formula in ordinary work hours. In turn, an equivalent increase in the CPI has been established starting in 2022 with a maximum limit of 0.75%. Also, an agreement has been reached regarding partial retirement, which is voluntary on the part of the companies, who will have to negotiate with their workers the reduction of the working day and the form of provision of their residual working hours. The compensation and absorption clause in the agreement establishes that the economic conditions agreed in the agreement will be compensated and absorbed with the previously existing ones, whether established unilaterally by the company or agreed between the company and the workers. In the Community of Madrid, the collective transport agreement includes particularities such as salary supplements for high traffic density or urban services. It also regulates specific aspects of logistics in metropolitan areas, adapting to the transportation needs in one of the areas with the greatest economic activity and volume of merchandise in Spain.

Role of the General Directorate of Transport (DGT)

The DGT It has exhaustively classified all the collective agreements that affect the world of transportation and logistics. A look at its page will clarify any doubts that may arise regarding the agreements that may apply to us. The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) offers personalized attention in its 50 Provincial Headquarters, 2 Local Offices and 16 Local Offices, always by appointment. Users can locate their nearest center through the mapa oficial from the DGT, and it is essential to request an appointment for any procedure.

 How to choose a responsible transportation company?

When selecting a company road freight transport, it is essential to evaluate your commitment to regulatory compliance. A responsible operator must prove its adherence to the current collective transport agreement, have all the legal documentation in order (administrative authorizations, mandatory insurance and special permits when applicable) and maintain a history of compliance in labor and road safety matters. Transparency in its operational processes and the regularization of its employees according to the Workers' Statute are key indicators of professionalism in the Spanish logistics sector.

Ethical and legal criteria

The main aspects to check include:

• Official registry of transport companies

• Affiliation with Social Security of the entire workforce

• Certification of training in occupational risk prevention

• Compliance with Maximum Driving and Rest Times

• Preventive fleet maintenance policies

• Implementation of protocols against workplace accidents

These requirements guarantee that the operator complies with the Land Transport Management Law (LOTT) and the State Collective Agreement for Transport.

You can access more details about the collective agreement in the Official Gazette of the Community of Madrid.

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