Spain's coalition government disagrees on implementing a 37.5-hour work week. Labour Minister pushes for immediate action, while Economy Minister suggests a one-year delay
Key Points to Know: The Spanish government plans to reduce the working week from 40 to 37.5 hours without salary changes. Disagreement within the government on implementation timeline with the Labour Minister aiming for implementation by end of 2025 and the Economy Ministers wants a one year delay.
Why This Matters: This proposal could significantly impact labor costs and productivity for businesses operating in Spain, potentially setting a precedent for other EU countries.
What Might Happen Next: Continued debate within the Spanish government. Possible compromise on implementation timeline. Potential resistance from business groups and employers.
What You Should Be Doing: Assess the potential impact on your Spanish operations. Begin scenario planning for different implementation timelines. Engage with local business associations to voice concerns and influence the debate.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
For an acerbic take on the issue read this post from an Irish guy who lives in Spain: here.
Tom Hayes
Director of European Union and Global Labor Affairs, HR Policy Association
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