Tensions Rise Between Labor and Economy Ministries Over Working Hours Reduction
A significant rift has emerged within the Spanish government regarding the proposed reduction of working hours. Carpos Cuerpo, speaking at a press conference following a meeting of the Council of Ministers, initially affirmed that reducing working hours was a priority for the government. However, Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz contradicted this claim during an appearance on Telecinco, asserting that the Ministry of Economy has effectively blocked any discussion on the matter.
The tug-of-war between the two ministries highlights contrasting perspectives on labor reforms that are crucial for the country's workforce. Díaz stated that the Ministry of Economy is preventing a social dialogue agreement from being discussed at the Council of Ministers, a claim that was promptly denied by sources within the Economy Ministry. They argued that it is "false that urgent processing has been blocked," insisting that the agenda is set to discuss the reduction of working hours at the earliest possible meeting of the Delegate Commission for Economic Affairs.
Minister Díaz had signed an agreement with the unions in December, aiming to gradually reduce working hours to 375 by 2025. Yet, the Economy Ministry's conflicting messages raise questions about commitment to this initiative. In defense of their stance, Economy officials emphasized the importance of a thorough debate involving all economic ministries, given the significant implications of such a reduction across various sectors.
This proposed measure has incited tensions with the political faction Sumar, which is advocating for an urgent discussion on working hours in the upcoming Council of Ministers. They are pressing for the matter to be addressed in the next Delegate Commission meeting scheduled for January 13, yet they have reported that both of these requests have been blocked.
Many commentators believe that the bureaucracy's delays may stem from the Economy Ministry's alignment with employers. This concern was echoed during negotiations last November, where Cuerpo hinted at the potential for delaying the reduction until 2026. The CEOE president, Antonio Garamendi, expressed support for this delay, commending Cuerpo for his considerations.
In stark contrast, Yolanda Díaz reaffirmed her commitment to implement the agreed-upon reduction throughout 2025—a commitment enshrined in the coalition agreement between PSOE and Sumar. According to this pact, the gradual reduction would see hours drop to 385 by 2024, concluding with the 375-hour benchmark by the following year.
Díaz further emphasized the seriousness of this commitment, stating, "It is very serious because it is part of the investiture agreement... We have signed an agreement with the unions that we must comply with." Her comments highlight the gravity of the current dispute, signaling that the tensions between the Labor and Economy ministries may significantly impact the future of labor rights and economic policy in Spain.
As this internal struggle continues, it raises important questions about the Spanish government's ability to navigate coalition politics while also addressing the needs of workers in a changing economic landscape.
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