What is the main topic?

The main topic is the Spanish government's division over implementing a shorter working week with the same pay.

What are the concerns about the plan?

Concerns include potential inflation, impact on job creation, and the need for businesses to adapt.

Who are the key figures involved?

Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz and Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo are central to the debate.

Editorial & Advertiser disclosure

Global Banking & Finance Review® is an online platform offering news, analysis, and opinion on the latest trends, developments, and innovations in the banking and finance industry worldwide. The platform covers a diverse range of topics, including banking, insurance, investment, wealth management, fintech, and regulatory issues. The website publishes news, press releases, opinion and advertorials on various financial organizations, products and services which are commissioned from various Companies, Organizations, PR agencies, Bloggers etc. These commissioned articles are commercial in nature. This is not to be considered as financial advice and should be considered only for information purposes. It does not reflect the views or opinion of our website and is not to be considered an endorsement or a recommendation. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information provided with respect to your individual or personal circumstances. Please seek Professional advice from a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. We link to various third-party websites, affiliate sales networks, and to our advertising partners websites. When you view or click on certain links available on our articles, our partners may compensate us for displaying the content to you or make a purchase or fill a form. This will not incur any additional charges to you. To make things simpler for you to identity or distinguish advertised or sponsored articles or links, you may consider all articles or links hosted on our site as a commercial article placement. We will not be responsible for any loss you may suffer as a result of any omission or inaccuracy on the website.

Home > Finance > Spanish government rift over shorter working week breaks into the open

Finance

Spanish government rift over shorter working week breaks into the open

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®

Posted on January 3, 2025

2 min read

Last updated: January 27, 2026

Spanish government officials discussing shorter working week proposal - Global Banking & Finance Review — Image depicting a heated discussion among Spanish government officials regarding the proposal for a shorter working week with the same pay. This controversy highlights the division within Spain's left-wing coalition on labor policies. The debate centers on balancing worker rights and employer concerns, crucial for Spain's economic stability.

Spanish Government Divided Over Shorter Working Week Proposal

MADRID (Reuters) - A split in Spain's left-wing coalition government over a plan to implement a shorter working week with the same pay broke into the open on Friday after the country's labour minister accused the economy minister of "siding with employers".

Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz, who leads the far-left Sumar party, told state radio broadcaster RNE there were "manifest disagreements" with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialist Party over the plan, and appealed to colleagues to "respect the committee of experts" that drew it up.

She took aim at Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo, who suggested the plan should be delayed by a year to give small businesses time to adapt.

Cuerpo "must decide on whose side he is on, that of the workers of this country who ask to live a bit better, or that of employers," she said.

A source at Spain's economy ministry said the government remained committed to the plan and implementing it was "a priority".

"We must continue to bet on an economic policy that works and one that guarantees the sustainability of our economic and social achievements," the source added.

Spain was one of Europe's top economic performers last year, with growth driven by a tourism boom, migration and a strengthening labour market.

Diaz, who is also deputy prime minister, made the plan to reduce working hours central to her party's support for Prime Minister Sanchez's minority government.

Her goal is to reduce working hours to 37.5 per week from the current 40, with no change in salary, before the end of 2025.

Spain's central bank and former economy minister have both warned that higher labour costs could fuel inflation and curb job creation.

Companies have also voiced concern. Spain's main employers' association CEOE argues a shorter working week should not be imposed by law but through collective bargaining with each company able to adapt it to its specific needs.

(Reporting by Inti Landauro, writing by Aislinn Laing, editing by Christina Fincher)

Spanish government rift over shorter working week breaks into the open

Quick Summary

Spanish Government Divided Over Shorter Working Week Proposal

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish government rift over shorter working week breaks into the open