Spain Moves Ahead with Legislation to Cut Workweek to 37.5 Hours

Report By Safarti Tarjuman Business Desk

Spain’s government has approved a landmark bill to shorten the standard workweek from 40 to 37.5 hours, a move that could benefit over 12 million private-sector workers across the country.

The bill, which still requires approval by the Spanish parliament, marks a significant shift in labor policy aimed at improving work-life balance, boosting productivity, and reducing absenteeism. It was introduced by Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz, leader of the Sumar party and a key member of the ruling left-wing coalition.

If passed, the reform will extend to industries such as retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and construction—sectors not yet covered by similar reductions already in place for civil servants and certain public sector workers.

Despite backing from major trade unions, the proposal has been met with resistance from business associations and some political factions. The Catalan nationalist party Junts, which occasionally supports Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s coalition, voiced concerns about the impact on small businesses and the self-employed.

Spain has not seen a reduction in official weekly working hours since 1983, when the standard dropped from 48 to 40 hours. The current proposal builds on post-pandemic momentum to reshape work culture, following several successful pilot programs, including a four-day workweek trial in Valencia that showed improved employee well-being and reduced stress.

With no clear majority in parliament, the government will need to negotiate with smaller parties to secure the bill’s passage.