According to data published by the Basque Labor Relations Council (CRL), technological causes are increasingly prominent in the EREs presented in Gipuzkoa. In the first quarter, 14 files were registered due to the introduction of new machinery, robots, and technological solutions, jeopardizing 272 jobs.

These figures significantly surpass those for EREs due to economic reasons, which have traditionally been dominant. Between January and February, 16 files were submitted for economic reasons, affecting 191 workers. Force majeure causes, on the other hand, accounted for 7 files impacting 52 workers.

In total, Gipuzkoa recorded 37 EREs between January and March, marking a 19.4% growth compared to the first quarter of the previous year. This increase is primarily driven by technological and force majeure causes, as EREs due to economic reasons have decreased. The total number of affected individuals stands at 515, although this figure is lower than that of the previous year.

EREs involving the termination of employment relationships increased by 25%, with 9 files and 102 dismissals. Temporary suspensions of contracts rose by 44.4%, with 26 files affecting 351 workers. In contrast, only two files for reduced working hours were submitted, impacting 62 people, representing a 77.8% decrease compared to the previous year.

Regarding collective bargaining, Gipuzkoa registered 14 agreements in the first quarter, all company-specific, covering 4,881 workers. These agreements include an average salary increase of 3.4% and an annual working day of 1,661 hours. However, seven expired agreements still affect 12,361 people, and 199 agreements are pending renewal, meaning 45,432 workers have outdated labor conditions.

The CRL also recorded 19 strikes in Gipuzkoa during the first quarter, a 137.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Additionally, three fatal workplace accidents occurred between January and March, a 200% increase. Serious accidents also rose to 16, while minor ones decreased to 2,219.