Possible footwear sector strike: impact on wholesalers and retailers

Broken Negotiations: The Risk of a Footwear Strike

Negotiations for the State Collective Agreement of the Footwear Industries have reached a standstill. After the meeting on June 5, UGT-FICA and CC.OO.-Industria have publicly denounced the "intransigent" attitude of the employers' association, which presented a closed and indivisible salary package. The proposal includes increases of 3.5% for 2026 with a revision clause limited to 1%, a 2% plus 1.5% revision for 2027, and raises of 1.75% with a 1.25% revision for 2028 and 2029. The unions consider that, in a context of inflation close to 3.5%, these conditions do not guarantee workers' purchasing power. If an agreement is not reached in the coming weeks, calling a strike is a real possibility that would affect the entire production chain.

What does this mean for a footwear store?

For the retailer, a strike in the footwear industry translates into a direct risk of shortages. Factories that stop production generate delays in already committed orders, especially in national distribution channels. Stores that depend on Spanish brands could see gaps on their shelves right at peak demand seasons. Furthermore, if the conflict drags on, wholesalers and manufacturers will tend to raise prices to compensate for losses, which will pressure retail margins. The recommendation for a shoe store owner is clear:

• Diversify suppliers: do not rely exclusively on domestic manufacturers; explore import options or warehousers with available stock.
• Increase safety stock: anticipate possible stoppages by reserving extra inventory for the coming months.
• Communicate with customers: if there are delays, inform transparently to avoid cancellations.

And for the wholesaler?

The footwear wholesaler is at the most fragile point in the chain. On one hand, they receive pressure from manufacturers who reduce their production; on the other, they must fulfill orders from their retail clients, who often have tight deadlines. A strike can cause:

• Breach of contracts with possible financial penalties if not delivered on time.
• Breakdown of commercial trust if retailers look for other more reliable intermediaries.
• Need to renegotiate terms with factories, prioritizing higher value-added orders.

In this scenario, the wholesaler must act with foresight: review force majeure clauses in their contracts, maintain fluid communication with their clients, and, if possible, secure a strategic stock buffer. Transparency will be the most valuable tool to retain the customer portfolio.

The context of the Spanish market

Spain is one of the major footwear producers in Europe, with key industrial hubs in the Vinalopó Valley (Alicante), La Rioja, and Baix Llobregat. The sector employs thousands of people and generates a business fabric of SMEs that compete with Asian giants. A strike at this moment would further weaken the competitiveness of national production, which is already losing market share to imports from China and Vietnam. Wholesalers and stores that have traditionally bet on Spanish footwear could be forced to look for alternatives abroad, accelerating a trend that the sector has been trying to reverse for years. If the conflict drags on, the risk of order offshoring is real.

The unions consider that the proposal does not respond to the real needs of the workforce and warn that they "do not rule out any pressure measures" to achieve a fair agreement.

How to prepare for uncertainty

No one wants a strike, but the realism of the wholesale sector requires being prepared. The upcoming meetings of the negotiating committee, scheduled for the end of June, will be decisive. In the meantime, both wholesalers and retailers must engage in planning: review stocks, diversify supply sources, and renegotiate deadlines with their clients. The best defense against uncertainty is anticipation.

At CalzadosJAM we understand the challenges of the B2B channel. That is why we offer access to a network of national and international manufacturers with flexible conditions and guaranteed deliveries. Do not let a labor dispute put your season at risk.

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