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Spain’s National Working‑Hours Register Delayed Again

A Council of State objection forced a redraft, reopening negotiations with Economy, leaving approval timing uncertain.

Overview

  • Government sources confirmed the working‑hours register will not be approved in September and will also miss the next Council of Ministers.
  • The draft would introduce digital timekeeping and give the labour inspectorate real‑time access to records, a substantive change to how work hours are monitored.
  • A harsh opinion from the Council of State required substantial revisions to the initial text, prompting the Ministry of Labour to rewrite parts of the decree.
  • Labour and Economy ministries have reopened talks after the Council of State ruling, and urgent work on a housing decree after the high‑profile 'Maricarmen' eviction has taken government priority.
  • The register was devised as Yolanda Díaz’s 'plan B' after Parliament rejected her reduced‑hours bill and can be enacted by royal decree, a step that unions have urged to happen quickly and are likely to oppose further delays.