Labor reform in the province has become a focal point of debate as changes sit at the intersection of government policy, employer concessions, and union concerns. The reform was negotiated to push through legislative updates while balancing employment flexibility with safeguards. Temporary wage adjustments last year were part of the agreement, but they coincided with a noticeable rise in part-time employment. Critics warn that these changes may also mask deeper job insecurity and even potential labor trafficking, according to trade unions and industry experts who were consulted.
The data presented to observers is striking. In the first quarter, the Active Population Survey shows the province added around 15,600 jobs. Of these, about 3,000 were full-time positions, while the remaining 12,600 were part-time or similar forms of employment. In practical terms, more than 80 percent of the new jobs created in that period were part-time. The survey’s annual series further indicates that a large share of these part-time roles are involuntary, underscoring concerns about job quality.
Economists such as a professor of economics and labor market expert at a major university note that the hospitality and retail sectors have been the primary sources of new employment nationwide. Firms that face tighter working conditions often seek flexible arrangements, including part-time schedules, which can inflate the appearance of full-time hours in some cases. This dynamic raises questions about the productive structure and employment quality within the province.
An employment office in Alicante stands as a reminder of the ongoing debate. Trade unions have long denounced practices such as hiring for half days to secure staffing before inspections, followed by extended hours in other shifts. A reform era that relies on temporary hiring barriers may have left room for exploitation, a concern voiced by industry observers.
The EPA also highlights that part-time work remains a major driver of business activity and gender inequality persists in the labor market. Data show a rise in part-time workers from 90,800 to 103,300 in a single year, an increase of 12,500. Meanwhile the number of full-time employees has declined from 271,800 to 267,200, a drop of 4,600.
Successes and pending challenges of labor reform
The evolution of employment is not uniform. The number of part-time workers grew by nearly one hundred, with only 28,300 women employed part-time, and the overall full-time count rising from 401,300 to 408,900.
Faced with scrutiny, discussions about gender norms continue. Women are often perceived as bearers of family care responsibilities, and some public voices argue that the system uses these roles to justify unequal treatment. Yet advocates for reform point to tangible gains in employment stability. The broader assessment suggests there is still work to do, but there are more people with steady jobs and longer tenures.
Concerns about discrimination against foreign workers also feature prominently. Among the new part-time jobs created last year, a large share was filled by foreign workers, while a smaller portion went to native workers. The most recent EPA figures from the Valencian Statistical Institute illustrate this pattern and call for a closer look at integration and fair access in the labor market.
In the first year of reform, discussions around part-time agreements and collective bargaining highlight the need for tools that help both workers and companies adapt to flexible schedules without compromising security. The emphasis remains on constructing a framework that supports stable, long-term employment.
Over the past year, even with a rise in part-time roles, the reform demonstrates a clear impact on hiring stability. EPA data indicate that the province gained a substantial number of permanent positions while the share of temporary employment decreased. This shift reduced the temporary portion of the salaried workforce from about a quarter to roughly one-seventh.