Various H&M stores around Spain have experienced store closures due to employee walkouts. Workers have also gathered outside the largest Madrid flagship H&M to protest against poor working conditions and stagnant wages. Workers are demanding better working conditions, as they have experienced greater workloads because of previous layoffs. These layoffs can be attributed to the decline in retail store revenue due to the rise of online sales. Employees are also demanding greater pay, stating that their wages have been frozen for many years and have not kept up with inflation.
See "H&M employees in Spain are walking out to demand increased wages", Jennifer O’Mahony , AP News, June 26, 2023