Spain’s Minister of Finance, Carlos Cuerpo, announced on Monday that a proposal to reduce the weekly working hours from 40 to 37.5 could be presented to the Cabinet as early as next week, aiming to make it a reality “as soon as possible.” This development comes after weeks of disagreements between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Labor, led by Yolanda Díaz.
Speaking to journalists after presiding over the eighth edition of the CEPYME500 event, Cuerpo confirmed that the Delegated Commission for Economic Affairs would review the measure on Monday evening to pave the way for “next steps.” He emphasized the importance of bringing the discussion to a forum where ministers responsible for economic matters could weigh in. Following the commission’s review, the proposal will move to the Commission of Vice Secretaries before reaching the Cabinet, where it is expected to be presented next week if all goes according to plan.
The Delegated Commission for Economic Affairs will also consider whether the proposal should be introduced through standard procedures or expedited. Additionally, Cuerpo stressed the need for the agreement to secure majority support in Congress. Addressing concerns raised by the CEOE, Spain’s largest business association, which has challenged the constitutionality of reducing working hours, Cuerpo highlighted the importance of supporting companies to ensure the plan’s “guarantee and success.”
The announcement follows weeks of tension between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Labor, with Díaz accusing Cuerpo of opposing the reduction and siding with business interests. In a recent interview with RNE, Díaz likened the situation to “playing the role of the bad guy.” However, the Ministry of Finance has consistently denied claims that Cuerpo is blocking the discussion, emphasizing the need for thorough debate to ensure the measure is implemented with “full guarantees.”
Amid this backdrop, Díaz and Cuerpo have held multiple meetings this week to unblock the approval process. The measure, which is set to take effect in 2025, must be introduced urgently. Their latest meeting took place last Wednesday, where they agreed to bring the matter before the Delegated Commission for Economic Affairs on Monday, January 27.
Cuerpo also reiterated the government’s commitment to balancing workers’ social rights with the need to avoid negatively impacting small and medium-sized enterprises. When questioned about the future of the ‘Omnibus Decree,’ which included measures such as pension increases and transport bonuses but was rejected by Congress, Cuerpo referenced Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s statement that the decree should proceed with royal approval as it is “appropriate and sustainable.”
The proposed reduction in working hours marks a significant step in Spain’s labor reforms, reflecting the government’s efforts to modernize work-life balance while addressing economic and business concerns.
