The reduction of working hours to 37.5 hours per week continues to generate debate in Spain, especially between the employers and the Ministry of Laborheaded by Yolanda Díaz. The meeting between unions, employers and the Government will take place on September 24, and will discuss not only the decrease in hours workedbut also the right to digital disconnection and the improvement of time registration, issues that are considered crucial for labor reform.
At a recent social dialogue table, the Ministry proposed a support plan for small and medium-sized businesses to facilitate the implementation of this reduction, offering bonuses for indefinite contracts. This initiative seeks to ensure that the change benefits SMEs, which represent 90% of the business fabric in Spain. In parallel, the unions have held an assembly in Madrid, focusing on the reduction of hours workedwith the aim of putting pressure on business organizations such as CEOE and Cepyme to gain their support for this proposal. The situation continues to evolve, with the expectation of a new document from the Ministry that has not yet been sent to business owners.
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 generated an intense debate in the current legislature in Spain. Driven by the Ministry of Laborthis initiative seeks to establish a new work framework that benefits more than 12 million employees who comply with the standard 40-hour workday. Currently, 17% of contracts already adopt this reduction.
He agreement between PSOE and Sumar contemplates a gradual implementation. In 2024, the day is expected to be reduced to 38.5 hours, before reaching 37.5 hours in 2025. However, there is no fixed date for its entry into force, which depends on the progress of negotiations with the different social agents. Although approval is desired to be rapid, it may be delayed until 2025 due to the need to reach consensus among all parties involved.
Despite the Government’s intentions, the opposition and the economic situation pose significant challenges. Concerns about the productivity and competitiveness of companies They also play an important role in this debate. However, the Ministry of Labor is moving forward with the proposal, recognizing 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 a lower workload can coexist with an increase in 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 experience significant changes. Small and medium-sized businesses will face additional challenges to adapt, while sectors with high demand for working hours, such as hospitality or construction, may need restructuring to comply with the new regulations.
part-time workers
The Ministry of Labor has indicated 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 contemplated that will guarantee that their salaries are not affected, since full-time employees will work fewer hours while maintaining their salary.
However, if a worker wishes to reestablish the same partiality percentage as before, the draft standard also allows this request. Even so, it is specified that, in general terms, the company must evaluate said request. If you decide to reject it, you must notify the employee in writing, explaining in a motivated manner the reasons for denial.
Time record
On the other hand, the new regulations impose a digital time control in companiesprohibiting manual methods. The sanctions for non-compliance will vary 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 salary reduction, the value of the hours worked will increase, with 18 hours as equivalent to 50% of the daywithout affecting the SMI. Those working part-time could see their salary increased or their hours adjusted, while maintaining their current income. Although the objective is for this measure to be implemented progressively, a specific date for its entry into force has not yet been set, but it is expected to be approved in the coming weeks.
