Spain's government and unions agree on 35-hour workweek for public employees

In a major labor reform, Spain's government and unions have reached an agreement to reduce the workweek for public employees to 35 hours.

Impact on 250,000 workers and potential for private sector extension

The new schedule, set to begin in early April, will affect around 250,000 public sector workers and marks a significant shift in labor policy. The accord also opens the door for the 35-hour workweek to be applied to public organizations, agencies, and entities, potentially extending to state-owned companies.

The reduction in hours will not be limited to central services. The agreement contemplates adapting it to various labor regimes, including special and intensive summer schedules, which will need to be proportionally adjusted. In unique sectors like prisons, the implementation will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis to ensure service continuity.

Central Sindical Independiente y de Funcionarios (CSIF) praised the deal, highlighting its broad scope and potential for further extension beyond the public sector. The union's president, Miguel Borra, called it a