Yolanda Díaz emphasizes the independence of the Labor Ministry as the government signs an agreement to increase the Minimum Interprofessional Salary for 2026.
On Monday, the Spanish Government held a signing event for the agreement between the Ministry of Labor and the trade unions UGT and CCOO to raise the Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI) to 1,221 euros in 2026, ensuring that it stays above 60% of the average salary. Importantly, this event marked the first appearance of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the Ministry of Labor, a move highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz as a significant symbol of the ministry's growing autonomy.
Yolanda Díaz celebrated the occasion as a turning point for the Ministry of Labor, suggesting that, for the first time in Spain's recent history, her ministry operates without reliance on the Economy Ministry. She underscored that this newfound independence is vital for securing better wages and conditions for workers. The event was staged without the participation of the employer representatives, underlining the role of the unions in this agreement and the government's focus on labor issues.
The 2026 salary increase, tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of October, points to a clear intention by the government to prioritize social welfare and to alleviate the cost of living challenges faced by workers in Spain. By raising the SMI, the government aims to enhance purchasing power and ensure that low-income workers receive salaries that are more reflective of the economic realities they face, further asserting the Labor Ministry's authority in economic discussions.
