Spain Moves to Reduce Workweek to 37.5 Hours with Full Pay

The Spanish government advances a bill to shorten the workweek, requiring parliamentary approval to implement the policy by year-end.

The Spanish Cabinet approved a proposal to reduce the standard workweek from 40 to 37.5 hours without salary cuts, benefiting over 12 million private-sector workers.
The initiative, led by Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz, aims to boost productivity, improve quality of life, and address gender wage gaps, particularly for part-time workers.
The measure has faced opposition from employer organizations and conservative parties, citing concerns over increased business costs and potential economic impacts.
The bill includes provisions for stricter digital time tracking, enhanced penalties for non-compliance, and a legal right for employees to disconnect from work communications during off-hours.
The government, lacking a parliamentary majority, must secure support from smaller regional parties to pass the legislation and meet its goal of implementation before the end of 2025.