“Today is a historic day that reaffirms the value of being part of the Spanish government,” stated Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz.
The Spanish government has taken a significant step towards reducing the standard workweek from 40 to 37.5 hours without a reduction in pay. This legislative initiative, backed by major labour unions but opposed by leading business organizations, marks the first reduction in working hours in Spain in four decades.
Unions CC.OO and UGT have hailed the measure as historic, highlighting that it could positively impact up to 12 million workers, many of whom are women. The Council of Ministers approved the proposal, a decision embraced by the government of Pedro Sánchez.
“Today is a historic day that reaffirms the value of being part of the Spanish government,” stated Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz. She emphasised that the initiative is not merely an economic adjustment but a fundamental step toward modernizing Spain’s labour framework.
However, the proposal has met resistance from the country’s main employers’ association, CEOE, which argues that a gradual reduction through collective bargaining would be more appropriate. CEOE warns that small businesses and self-employed workers will bear the brunt of the changes.
Despite the opposition, the government insists that the reform will primarily benefit employees not protected by collective agreements, many of whom have endured outdated working conditions for decades. The effects will be particularly notable in sectors such as retail, hospitality, services, and trade, where long working hours remain common practice.
The bill now moves to parliament, where the government will need to secure sufficient support to pass it into law, a challenge given the divided political landscape. Secretary of State for Employment Joaquín Pérez Rey has expressed confidence that the bill will reach parliamentary debate by late February or early March, as the progressive government pushes forward with its labour reform agenda.