The Ministry of Labor presented its “last offer” at the social dialogue table which negotiates the reduction of the legal maximum working time to 37.5 hours from the beginning of 2024, assuming that it does not have time to reach 38.5 hours this year. The department led by Second Vice President Yolanda Díaz has expanded the package of direct aid and subsidies to small businesses in sectors such as commerce or agriculture. Díaz’s “number two”, Joaquín Pérez Rey, called on the employers’ union CEOE and Cepyme to take a position in view of the next meeting which will definitively close the reform, on November 11.
Without the foreseeable agreement of Diego de León 50, Labor assures that it will sign the unilateral agreement with the unions on less favorable conditions for companies.
The Government is maintaining the system to respond to this reduction in working time with three pillars: the new digital time record to which the Labor Inspectorate would have access, a reform of the right to digital disconnection of employees in line with Europe and an aid plan. to small businesses to promote the path to the maximum workday planned by Díaz.
The so-called “SME 375 plan” includes several formulas to support and subsidize companies in their social contributions for the hiring of permanent workers caused by the reduction of hours and the conversion of part-time contracts to full-time in companies of less than ten employees.
Now add in this last quote bonuses for micro-enterprises with fewer than five employees in five sectors farthest from the weekly hours target: commerce, hospitality, hairdressing, cleaning and agriculture. According to the government, some 470,000 companies will receive between 350 and 375 million euros in direct aid up to a limit of 6,000 euros per company with the aim of improving their productivity and digitalization.
The unions spoke of the “blockade” that they believe exists on the part of the employers after ten months of meetings. Employers, who usually do not comment, have maintained their scenario and are giving priority to collective agreements aimed at reducing working hours.
“It doesn’t matter anymore.”lamented Carlos Bravo, the secretary of public policies and social protection of CCOO. He assures that the centers will study the latest proposal only if there are expectations of consensus with employers; while affirming that the proposals aimed at improving time control and digital disconnection still require adjustments before completing the reform as soon as possible. “The best that can happen is a tripartite agreement,” says Bravo.
