Collective disputes

At Ayuela Jiménez, our team of lawyers specialised in Employment Law will assist you in resolving collective disputes that may affect the stability of your company. We provide legal advice and representation, guiding you step by step with the sole objective of protecting your interests.

What is a collective dispute?

A collective dispute arises when a dispute occurs between a group of workers and the company they work for. Generally, this tends to be caused by significant changes in working conditions, such as wages, working hours, claims for benefits, mass layoffs, or major changes in staff and trade union rights.

If unresolved, any of these cases could affect the company’s operations, complicate the work environment, and even lead to strikes. It is important to have expert advice to find solutions that minimise damage while protecting the company’s interests.

Legal advice for businesses

Our team of lawyers is ready to assist trade unions and works councils in managing these disputes in the best possible way. As experts in Employment Law and dispute resolution, we assess each case individually to find a way to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. If necessary, we also defend your business in court.

Prevention, mediation, and defence

In the face of a collective dispute, it is important to develop legal strategies that seek a balance between both parties without losing sight of the company’s interests. Our lawyers analyse the root cause of the issue to determine the rights of each party and initiate negotiations with the goal of reaching an agreement without the need for litigation. If this is not possible, the case will be presented before the relevant authorities.

If an agreement is reached, we support your company throughout the implementation process to ensure that the terms are upheld and to prevent future conflicts. Similarly, we develop prevention policies to minimise risks.

How can we help you?

At Ayuela Jiménez, we have extensive experience in Employment Law, enabling us to represent businesses across different sectors and find solutions tailored to their needs. We keep up to date with the latest legislative reforms to offer you the best solutions for your corporation and to defend you if the dispute escalates to court.

Madrid - Paseo de Recoletos, 6. 28001

Bilbao - C/ San Vicente, 8. Edificio Albia II

Londres - 126 Wigmore Street, Londres, W1U 3RZ, Reino Unido

Frequently Asked Questions

How can collective disputes be resolved?

Collective disputes can be resolved in various ways depending on the willingness of the parties and the complexity of the issue. Methods include negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or, if no agreement is reached, legal action in labour courts.

When is a strike considered legal?

Strikes are legal as long as they are organised by a trade union or legal representatives of workers who have informed the company in advance. They must be called for justified reasons, i.e., related to labour rights.

How can collective disputes be prevented?

To prevent collective disputes, companies must maintain open communication with workers to detect concerns before they escalate into problems. They must also respect the workers’ rights and apply clearly defined labour policies to avoid misunderstandings.

What sanctions can a company face in collective disputes?

Companies involved in collective disputes may face sanctions such as fines, compensation to affected workers, or be legally compelled to comply with certain regulations. In more severe cases, the company could face lawsuits or even suspension of activities.