cobertura de convenio

13:12 Nov 10, 2008 

Yes, John: we're clearly talking about the same thing.

At least in my "colectivo" (enseñanza no reglada) the unions are involved in negotiations - two of them signed the last agreement, and there were no other representatives of "that side"...! Any comments from other professional groups, I wonder?

10:42 Nov 10, 2008 

Hi Noni

I think we are both on the right lines here. However, I didn't use the word 'collective' because I believe it would - for most readers - imply union participation. I believe that these agreements are often made with only nominal union involvement; because in many Spanish industries the unions are extremely weak.

10:24 Nov 10, 2008 

In Spain each professional group has a "convenio colectivo". Every colectivo negotiates (via the unions) its salary deals with the "patronales" (representative employer groups). The negotiation deals not only with salary raises, but also other perks. I have employees under a certain convenio which requires (this is a legal requirement once the convenio is signed) me to pay a certain minimum salary, and, amongst other things, to take out an life insurance policy for each employee. The insurance companies know this and every year send me offers of insurance packages which includes this compulsory insurance policy.