Spanish telecom giant Telefónica has announced plans for a significant restructuring impacting thousands of jobs across its Spanish operations.The company, led by President Marc Murtra, initiated formal consultations with unions today, November 18, regarding a proposed workforce reduction of up to 7,000 employees, according to the UGT union. This move reflects broader trends in the European telecom sector as companies navigate increasing competition and invest in digital transformation.
Marc Murtra, presidente de Telefonica.
Telefónica has informed unions of its intent to initiate a workforce reduction plan across several of its Spanish subsidiaries, citing objective reasons for the move.
Spanish telecom giant Telefónica is planning a restructuring that could impact up to 7,000 employees, the UGT union announced today, November 18. The company has notified unions representing workers at Telefónica de España, Telefónica Móviles, Telefónica Soluciones, Telefónica S.A., Telefónica Global Solutions, Telefónica Innovación Digital, and Movistar+ of its plans to begin a regulatory employment adjustment, commonly known as an ERE.
While official figures haven’t been released, the company’s initial proposal reportedly targets between 6,000 and 7,000 positions. Specific numbers for Telefónica de España, Móviles, and Soluciones are expected to be finalized on November 24, with the remaining affected entities receiving details the following day.
The move comes as Telefónica navigates a competitive landscape and seeks to streamline operations. The company, a major player in the Spanish and Latin American telecom markets, has been focused on strategic investments and digital transformation in recent years.
UGT stated it received formal notification triggering a one-week period to establish negotiating committees. “We will comply with the legal mandate of the Workers’ Statute and negotiate in good faith, through dialogue and consensus, but with the firmness that our majority position in the group grants us,” the union said in a statement.
The union has already expressed its opposition to the proposed cuts, arguing that the company is once again relying on workforce reductions as a primary method of organizational adjustment. UGT has demanded the immediate opening of negotiations for all collective bargaining agreements, seeking a minimum validity period extending to 2030 to ensure stability and align with the company’s strategic plan, while also protecting workers’ rights.
UGT also indicated it will not support any ERE within the Telefónica group without securing the future of remaining employees, including extending collective agreements through 2030 and ensuring fair and consistent conditions for all affected personnel. The union is prioritizing voluntary departures, referencing a model agreed upon in 2024 for Telefónica de España, Telefónica Móviles, and Telefónica Soluciones.
“We have demanded, in addition, the immediate opening of the negotiating tables of all collective agreements, claiming a minimum validity until 2030 to guarantee stability, coherence with the Strategic Plan of the company and protection of labor rights,” the union added.
