A proposal to reduce Spain’s working week by 1.5 hours, while maintaining salaries, has caused significant division within the Spanish government, highlighting ongoing political tensions.
The plan, presented by the left-wing coalition party Sumar, has sparked disagreement between key government ministers. Minister of Labor Yolanda Díaz, a major proponent of the proposal, and Minister of Finance Carlos Cuerpo, have notably clashed over the details of the plan.
Cuerpo recently expressed concerns about the proposal, calling for a “balanced text” and a “plan” to help businesses manage the changes effectively. His remarks, made on Cadena SER radio, were met with strong criticism from Díaz.
“What the minister is saying, and what he put in writing, is, firstly, that he is on the side of employers and wants to delay the implementation and not fulfill the agreement, and secondly […] that the agreement needs to eliminate its bias, meaning it would harm Spanish workers,” Díaz stated in response.
The proposal, which is a key part of Sumar’s social agenda and a priority for Díaz, has yet to be voted on in the national parliament, with discussions continuing behind the scenes. The measure is expected to be put to a vote later this year.
Sumar is actively seeking support from various parties, including the right-wing Catalan separatist group Junts, which is essential for ensuring the stability of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government through the end of his term in 2027.
While the proposal aligns with the Socialist Party’s social agenda, Cuerpo has raised concerns about its impact. Though it was initially agreed upon with Spain’s main trade unions, CC.OO and UGT, the country’s largest employers’ organization, CEOE, rejected it in November.
This opposition has forced the government to proceed with the measure without the planned financial support for small and medium-sized businesses, which had been part of the original plan. Key points of contention include the timing of the decree’s implementation and how it will impact part-time workers.
