The prospect of reducing the workweek to 37.5 hours in Spain seems increasingly uncertain. The government, particularly the Ministry of Economy, believes that this change must be negotiated with business leaders and implemented flexibly within companies. Sources close to the ministry have indicated that securing parliamentary support is crucial for the sustainability of this initiative.
The CEOE, Spain’s business association, is firmly opposed to having a law mandating the reduction of hours without their backing. Antonio Garamendi, the CEOE leader, has expressed his concerns in an interview published by El País. He argues that such significant changes should be addressed through collective bargaining, but also maintains his right to reject proposals he deems unreasonable. For now, discussions are ongoing.
Garamendi stated, “We will explain why we believe this is not a reasonable issue at this moment. We’re still sitting at the table, still negotiating, but it is just as democratic to say no when we believe it is not good.” He noted that smaller businesses, agricultural sectors, and companies that deal with public contracts do not see the necessity for this reduction unless special conditions are offered.
There is a real fear among business leaders that the government and labor unions may strike a deal without including them. Garamendi warned that if a legal reduction in work hours goes through, it could jeopardize negotiations regarding collective agreements. He emphasized that if the government imposes a cut in working hours, many agreements would stagnate.
He added, “It is legitimate, but it’s a political pact. Two parties reaching an agreement does not obligate us to accept it.”
In the interview, Garamendi also reflected on the monumental achievement of passing labor reform, but he expressed his disagreement with altering it just a year and a half later for political reasons. He asserted that changes affecting the priority of certain regional agreements stem from a political pact, a move that creates instability in the agreements reached.
When asked if he sees a “disloyalty” in the ongoing changes, he affirmed that he does. He conveyed his belief that the Ministry of Labor is sometimes used for political agendas rather than for sitting down to discuss important issues. Each day seems to bring new developments, and he urged for a return to genuine dialogue focused on substantive topics.
Source: https://www.infobae.com/espana/2024/07/22/la-amenaza-de-garamendi-si-el-gobierno-aprueba-la-reduccion-de-jornada-sin-pactar-con-la-ceoe-y-el-dardo-a-yolanda-diaz/
