Spain plans to reduce the working week from 40 to 38.5 hours
The Spanish government has announced plans to reduce the maximum working week from 40 hours to 38.5 hours starting this year. This step, presented by Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment Yolanda Diaz, is aimed at improving the quality of life of employees and work-life balance. About 55% of Spanish workers may be affected by this change. This was written by E. Carransio and E. Crespo in La Grada.
Recently, the Spanish government also raised the minimum wage, and now intends to reduce working hours. This change reflects the commitments agreed between PSOE and Sumar in the coalition agreement. It was originally planned to implement a reduction in working hours by 2025, but the deadlines were shifted to the current year in order to provide employees with more free time.
Profile of employees affected by the shortened work week
The profile of workers who will be affected by the reduction in working hours includes men aged 30-34, often foreign nationals working in the Balearic or Canary Islands or in Catalonia. They tend to have basic education and are employed in the private sector, especially in industry. Many of them have been working in the same company for 5 to 10 years on a permanent basis.
Failed negotiations and business resistance
However, the business community does not support shortening the working week. Employers believe that this will increase their operating costs and reduce profits. In addition, there are concerns that this could negatively affect the international competitiveness of Spanish companies.
Gerardo Cuerva, president of Cepyme, said that reducing working hours without changing wages is actually equivalent to a 7 percent increase in salaries, which will increase costs for companies. BBVA Research warns that reducing working hours could reduce GDP growth by 0.6% over the next two years and employment by 0.8%.
Negotiations between the government, trade unions and business should help to find the best way to implement this initiative in order to minimize possible negative consequences for the economy and employment.