Spain's Labor Minister Aims to Tighten Time Registration Amid Proposed Work Hour Reductions
In a significant move to reform the labor landscape, Spain's Second Vice President and Minister of Labor, Yolanda Díaz, announced plans to tighten time registration through a royal decree. This initiative comes alongside efforts to reduce maximum working hours to 375 per week, a topic that has sparked significant debate among various stakeholders.
Díaz confirmed during an interview with La Sexta that the government aims to approve a decree that would enhance the existing time registration system. This development follows reports from El País revealing that the CEOE, the employers' association, has been resistant to changes in working hour policies largely due to concerns over time registration.
The urgency of modifying the time registration system cannot be overstated, as Díaz emphasized the need for compliance with European rulings. The reform aims to create a mechanism that is objective, reliable, accessible, and interoperable, thereby addressing the issue of unpaid overtime. Under the proposed changes, companies failing to adhere to the new regulations will face harsher penalties.
Currently, the labor hour registration does not hold the status of law, allowing the government to pursue changes via a royal decree without needing parliamentary approval. Díaz expressed optimism about the reduction of working hours, indicating ongoing negotiations with various political parties to garner the necessary support.
Approximately 125 million workers would be impacted by the proposed reduction in working hours. While discussions continue, the deadline for submitting amendments to the working hours reduction bill, which is being processed urgently, has been extended by Congress to June 11. To date, no political group has registered any amendments, though Junts previously indicated intentions to propose a total amendment, highlighting their essential role in the approval process.
Díaz urged caution among political parties, especially the Partido Popular (PP), regarding discussions that could impact essential needs, stating, "This is costly." As negotiations progress, the government remains committed to reforming labor conditions to benefit workers across Spain.
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