Tensions Rise as Navantia Cartagena Workers Demand Fair Pay

The ongoing indefinite strike at Navantia Cartagena has entered its third week, with over 2,000 specialised workers from auxiliary companies demanding a fair labour agreement. These professionals, engaged in the high-tech maritime metal industry, are protesting for equal pay with colleagues in other cities such as Ferrol, Cádiz, and San Fernando, where the same work receives significantly higher compensation. The strikes have involved large demonstrations through Cartagena's city centre, supported by workers' families to show solidarity.

The dispute has escalated in tension, resulting in arrests linked to clashes with law enforcement. Political parties including PSOE and Podemos have called for urgent regional government intervention to resolve the stalemate. Central demands include establishing a “shipyard bonus” that auxiliary workers in other Navantia locations receive and formalising subcontractor workforce protections.

Meanwhile, the advanced S-80 submarine project, backed by over €6 billion in state investment, progresses but may be jeopardised by the ongoing unrest at the Cartagena shipyard. Cartagena’s City Council has appealed for responsibility and cooperation among stakeholders to reach a swift resolution and avoid further disruption.

This situation remains an unfinished story highlighting the unequal remuneration paid by a single multinational company across different cities for equally specialised and technically demanding work, with Navantia Cartagena workers still awaiting a conclusive solution.