35-Hour workweek for spanish public employees: who's included and excluded?

Spain announces 35-hour workweek for public employees

Spain's government has approved a measure to reduce the workweek for public employees to 35 hours, effective from March. However, the proposal excludes key personnel in security, defense, and essential services, sparking union discontent.

Exclusions: security, defense, and essential services

The new 35-hour workweek applies to around 250,000 public employees across ministries, public bodies, and state-dependent entities. However, it does not extend to personnel in the military, police, and prison services, whose schedules are adjusted to meet operational needs. Similarly, employees in schools, healthcare, and institutions in Ceuta and Melilla, where flexible hours would disrupt public services, are also exempt.

Syndicate criticism and demands

Spain's major public sector union, CSIF, has urged the government to make the 35-hour workweek mandatory for all public employees, without exceptions. They have also called for negotiations on other pending issues, including early retirement, telecommuting, internal promotions, and updates to redundancy packages.

Negotiation timeline and implementation

The 35-hour workweek will be rolled out through a ministerial decree or instruction, bypassing the need for parliamentary approval. Once the measure is in place, the relevant state departments will issue guidelines for its implementation, with special attention to maintaining public services and citizen needs.

Impact and outlook

The new work schedule is expected to benefit around 250,000 public employees, while concerns over exclusions and union demands could prolong negotiations. The government's willingness to negotiate and address these issues will be crucial in determining the measure's success and broader implications for Spain's public sector.