UGT strengthens its commitment to pay equity in 2026
The Unión General de Trabajadoras y Trabajadores (UGT) continues to promote several initiatives in 2026 aimed at advancing equal pay between women and men. Through collective bargaining, trade union training and the development of tools to promote equality in employment, the union is working to reduce the gender gaps that persist in the labour market.
Recent achievements and developments
During the first months of 2026, UGT has carried out a number of actions to strengthen the fight against the gender pay gap in Spain.
One of the main milestones was the Annual Conference of the UGT Women’s Department, held on 3, 4 and 5 March 2026. This meeting brought together trade union representatives and equality experts to analyse key challenges related to pay equity and to reinforce the role of trade unions in promoting equality in the workplace.
UGT also actively participated in the mobilisations marking International Women’s Day (8 March). As part of this day of action, trade union events were held in several cities. A manifesto was also disseminated reaffirming the commitment to accelerate real and effective equality between women and men, advance shared responsibility in care, and eradicate gender-based violence, particularly in the workplace.
Among the main trade union demands are the promotion of pay transparency, the effective implementation of equality plans in companies, the strengthening of gender-responsive employment policies and the improvement of working conditions in highly feminised sectors. The unions also stressed the need to advance public policies that reduce structural inequalities, such as a comprehensive care policy and the reduction of working time without wage loss.
In the field of analysis and research, on 22 February 2026 UGT presented its National Report on the Gender Pay Gap, which examines existing wage inequalities in Spain and proposes measures to advance greater pay transparency and more effective collective bargaining on equality.
Upcoming activities
Among the upcoming initiatives, UGT will organise specialised training courses on equal pay and the negotiation of equality plans, which will take place throughout the year. These training activities are aimed at trade union representatives and professionals involved in collective bargaining processes, with the objective of strengthening their capacity to identify and address pay inequalities.
In addition, the union continues to implement its advisory project for the development and negotiation of equality plans, which provides technical support, tools and guidance to trade union representatives and companies to ensure the proper implementation of these instruments.
Publications and tools
UGT has also developed new supporting materials to promote pay equity. Among them is the Guide to Good Practices for the Negotiation of Equality Plans 2026, presented this month on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The guide is intended to facilitate gender-responsive collective bargaining and improve the effective implementation of measures aimed at reducing the gender pay gap.
Likewise, the National Gender Pay Gap Report 2026 developed by UGT provides an updated analysis of the situation in Spain, identifying the main factors that perpetuate wage inequalities and proposing measures to advance greater equality in the labour market.
Through these initiatives, UGT reaffirms its commitment to promoting pay equity and to advancing policies and tools that contribute to eliminating gender gaps in employment.
You can follow all of UGT’s work on equality issues on their Instagram and Twitter: @ugtfeminista
Some infographics and posts about the 2026 gender pay gap campaign: