The Spanish government approves the law to reduce the working week to 37.5 hours.
» The law has been submitted to the Congress of Deputies for processing.
» The new labor law could especially benefit working women and SMEs, despite the lack of support from employers.
The Council of Ministers approves the law to reduce the working week to 37.5 hours without loss of pay. The text, agreed upon with unions but without the support of employers, also incorporates a new digital timekeeping system and recognizes the right to digital disconnection.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Economy argues that the measure modernizes work organization and contributes to the well-being of workers. The text will be submitted to the Congress of Deputies to begin processing, which currently lacks guaranteed parliamentary support.
If the law is approved, companies will have until the end of the year to adapt to the new requirements. The government provides aid for small and medium-sized businesses to facilitate the transition, as well as financial penalties for those who violate the regulations.
According to data from the same ministry, the measure could have a significant impact on female workers, who represent 65% of those with part-time contracts in the country. A significant impact is also expected in Catalonia, Madrid, and Andalusia. In Catalonia, the change would affect 80% of the working population, as only 20% work 37.5 hours or less per week.