The increase was announced by the Minister of Labour, Yolanda Díaz, and meets the requests made by the unions in social consultation, but which employers' associations rejected, considering that it is unacceptable for companies at this time.

After signing the agreement, the minister said at a press conference that this increase “is a very important milestone for the country” and something she does “with satisfaction and joy”, after having carried out a round of negotiations with employers and unions.

The Spanish Ministry of Labour defended that this increase of 35 euros, which will be applied retroactively to January 1st, is within the average range recommended by experts and stressed that it is “the best instrument” to fight inequality.

“There are many forms of agreement and in this case it was bipartite”, said Yolanda Díaz, adding that, although the commitment was not signed by the employers, social consultation in Spain “is in very good health”.