THE reduction of working time to 37.5 hours per week continues to spark debate in Spain, particularly between employers and Ministry of Laborled by Yolanda Diaz. The meeting between unions, employers and government will take place on September 24 and will address not only the reduction in working hoursbut also the right to digital disconnection and improved time recording, issues considered crucial for labor reform.
At a recent social dialogue table, the ministry proposed a support plan for small and medium-sized enterprises to facilitate the implementation of this reduction, by offering bonuses for permanent contracts. This initiative aims to ensure that the change benefits SMEs, which represent 90% of the economic fabric in Spain. In parallel, the unions held an assembly in Madrid, focused on the reduction of working hourswith the aim of putting pressure on professional organisations such as CEOE and Cepyme to obtain their support for this proposal. The situation continues to evolve, with the expectation of a new document from the Ministry which has not yet been sent to entrepreneurs.
Reduction of the working day to 37.5 hours per week
The proposal to reduce the working day to 37.5 hours per week has sparked intense debate in the current Spanish legislature. Driven by the Ministry of LaborThis initiative aims to establish a new working framework that benefits more than 12 million employees who comply with the 40-hour working day standard. Currently, 17% of contracts already adopt this reduction.
He Agreement between PSOE and Sumar envisages a gradual implementation. In 2024, the day should be reduced to 38.5 hours, before reaching 37.5 hours in 2025. There is, however, no fixed date for its entry into force, which depends on the progress of negotiations with the various social agents. Even if approval is hoped to be rapid, it could be delayed until 2025 due to the need to reach a consensus between all parties concerned.
Despite the government’s intentions, the opposition and the economic situation pose significant challenges. Concerns about productivity and competitiveness of companies They also play an important role in this debate. However, the Ministry of Labour is moving forward with this proposal, recognising its potential to improve work-life balance and promote job creation.
In a broader context, the idea of reducing working hours is not exclusive to Spain; other European countries, such as France and Germanyhave implemented similar measures with positive results. These experiences suggest that reduced workload can coexist with increased productivity and worker satisfaction. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the need to rethink work models, making reduced working hours an appropriate response to new work challenges.
The impact of reduced hours will be felt greatly in the public sector and in many private companiesalthough not all sectors will see significant changes. Small and medium-sized businesses will face additional challenges in adapting, while sectors with high demand for working hours, such as hospitality or construction, may need to restructure to comply with the new regulations.
part-time workers
The Ministry of Labor said that the part-time workers They will have the right to maintain their current workload, although they will receive a proportional increase in their salary. This means that companies will not be able to reduce working hours by applying the partiality percentage in force before the reduction of the working day to 37.5 hours per week. In addition, an economic bonus is envisaged that will ensure that their salaries are not affected, since full-time employees will work fewer hours while maintaining their salary.
However, if an employee wishes to restore the same percentage of bias as before, the draft standard also allows for this request. However, it is specified that, in general, the company must evaluate the said request. If you decide to refuse it, you must inform the employee in writing, explaining in a reasoned manner the reasons for refusal.
Time recording
On the other hand, the new regulations impose a digital time control in companiesprohibiting manual methods. Penalties for non-compliance will range from 1,000 to 10,000 euros per worker.
Entry into force
The new working day will benefit more than twelve million workers in Spain, reducing their annual workload from 1,950 to 1,800 hours. Although there will be no reduction in wages, the value of hours worked will increase, with 18 hours equals 50% of the daywithout affecting the minimum wage. Those who work part-time could see their salary increased or their hours adjusted, while maintaining their current income. Although the aim is for this measure to be implemented gradually, the precise date of its entry into force has not yet been set, but it should be approved in the coming weeks.
