The Swedish fashion chain H&M wants to reduce the number of its stores in Spain.
The parent company has informed Spanish unions of its intention to close 28 stores, resulting in the dismissal of 588 employees. This means that one in five shops in Spain will be closed.
The unions say they have been openly opposing H&M’s restructuring process in Spain for several months. In addition, H&M 2023 employees have already demonstrated several times. In June, almost eighty percent of the Spanish workforce stopped work for 24 hours. A tentative agreement was later reached, but there will still be layoffs.
The unions say that following the 2023 commitment and the agreement reached, they believe that a solution can be found that does not involve job losses. The unions therefore intend to negotiate with H&M in order to retain as many jobs as possible despite the loss of stores.
The layoffs will only take place later this year. The reason for this is a decree from the Spanish royal family, which states that the company must inform the labor authorities at least six months in advance in the event of site closures.
This translated article previously appeared on FashionUnited.nl