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Spain Delays Workweek Reform as Unions Mobilize and Junts Threatens Rejection

The government postpones approval of the 37.5-hour workweek bill to next week while labor unions rally nationwide and Junts demands changes to protect Catalan business interests.

La vicepresidenta segunda del Gobierno y ministra de Trabajo, Yolanda Díaz, conversa con los periodistas al inicio de la manifestación del Primero de Mayo en Madrid, que este año lleva por lema "Proteger lo conquistado, ganar futuro".
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Overview

  • The Spanish coalition government has deferred the final approval of the 37.5-hour workweek bill to the next Council of Ministers meeting, scheduled for Tuesday.
  • Vice President Yolanda Díaz reaffirmed the government's commitment to passing the reform while signaling room for negotiation with opposing factions.
  • Labor unions CCOO and UGT led May Day protests across 80 cities, advocating for the workweek reduction and dismissal-law reform in alignment with European standards.
  • Junts per Catalunya plans to table a total rejection amendment in Congress unless the bill is revised to address concerns raised by Catalan business groups, which estimate a €23 billion cost increase from the reform.
  • Union leaders emphasized record corporate profits and unpaid overtime as justification for the workweek cut, while pressing for broader social dialogue to advance labor rights.