Labor reform headlines the debate between the government, employers, and unions. Changes promoted by the state and agreed upon with unions led to a temporary rate adjustment last year in the province. In return, the number of part-time roles rose significantly. There is concern that some security issues may be masked or hidden, with observers warning about potential increases in labor trafficking according to unions and consulted experts.
The data is striking. In the first quarter, the Active Population Survey shows the province created about 15,600 new jobs. Earnings over the past year reflect only about 3,000 full-time positions, while 12,600 are part-time. Put differently, more than 80 percent of the new jobs are part-time or similar arrangements. Moreover, the survey’s annual series indicates that many of these positions are involuntary shifts rather than voluntary transitions.
Economist Simon del Hippo, a professor at the University of Alicante and a noted labor market expert, explains that most new roles in Spain are concentrated in hospitality and trade sectors. Companies seeking flexibility often rely on part-time formats, which can still translate into full-time hours in practice. This pattern raises questions about the quality of employment and the productive structure within the province — a dynamic that could intensify if the regional economy remains oriented toward flexible arrangements.
Jose Maria Ruiz Olmos, the minister of employment in l’Alacantí-les Marines, notes that unions have long condemned practices such as hiring for half days to navigate inspections and then requiring the rest of the time to be completed later. A potential fraud could be aided by barriers currently facing temporary hiring, and some observers warn that such schemes have been seen before.
The EPA highlights partial employment as a major driving force in the local economy. The data also point to persistent gender inequality in the labor market, a problem that has deepened with the rise in part-time work. Over the year, the number of part-time workers grew from 90,800 to 103,300, an increase of 12,500. In contrast, full-timeemployment slipped from 271,800 to 267,200, a decrease of 4,600.
Successes and pending challenges of labor reform
The evolution of employment has not slowed; the share of part-time jobs moved higher by nearly a hundred, while full-time employment rose only modestly. The total number of part-time workers increased, with 28,300 men entering part-time roles while overall full-time positions climbed from 401,300 to 408,900.
Women continue to bear a large share of caregiving responsibilities, a factor that influences work patterns and the perception of discriminatory practices. In l’Alacantí-la Marina, the general secretary of the UGT argues that some employers frame part-time opportunities as a favor, masking discrimination in hiring practices. Yet the reforms show tangible benefits with more people employed and more stable jobs, according to Yolanda Díaz. The focus remains on identifying gaps and targeting failures to improve overall outcomes.
Another form of discrimination highlighted by the data is the exposure of foreign workers to bias. Of the new part-time jobs created in the country last year, only 1,200 were filled by Spanish workers. The remaining 11,400 positions went to foreign workers, according to EPA figures from the Valencian Statistical Institute. This pattern calls for careful policy review to ensure fair access and protect workers across communities.
First-year reflections on the reform indicate that despite the surge in part-time engagement, the main impact lies in stronger hiring stability. The EPA indicates that within the past year the province added 84,600 permanent jobs while temporary employment declined by 68,300. As a result, the share of temporary workers in the salaried population fell from 25 percent to 14 percent, signaling a shift toward more lasting contracts.
The shift toward permanence is part of a broader conversation about the distribution of opportunities. Some voices argue that more attention is needed to ensure that part-time work is not used as a stopgap that undermines long-term career development. Others point out that increased stability represents real progress for families and local communities. The discussion continues as policymakers, unions, and businesses weigh the benefits against potential risks.
In summary, the first year of labor reform shows a mixed picture. On one hand, more people find steady work and overall employment grows. On the other hand, part-time work remains a dominant feature and questions about wages, hours, and the fairness of access persist. The conversation now shifts to refining measures that guarantee meaningful hours, equal pay for equal work, and robust protections for all workers, including newcomers and those in seasonal positions. [Source: EPA and Valencian Statistical Institute]