Labor reform in progress has sparked debate about how changes were negotiated between the government, employers, and unions. In the province, a temporary rate last year was agreed, yet it coincided with a notable rise in part-time employment. There are concerns that some of the perceived insecurity could mask deeper issues, including labor trafficking, according to unions and consulted experts.
The figures are striking. Based on the first quarter data from the Active Population Survey, the province added about 15,600 jobs in the past year, yet roughly 3,000 of these were full-time positions. The remaining 12,600 were part-time or similar arrangements. In other words, more than 80% of the new jobs created in that period were part-time, and in many cases involuntary, as the annual series of the same survey shows.
Economics professor and labor market expert at the University of Alicante, Simon del Hippo, notes that Spain overall saw most new jobs appear in hospitality, trade, and related sectors. Companies seeking flexibility often turn to part-time formulas, which can conceal full-time hours in some instances. This dynamic appears in the province and raises questions about employment quality in the local economy.
The analysis also highlights concerns raised by the CC OO Minister of Employment in l’Alacantí-les Marines about practices linked to half-day hiring. Unions have long condemned such moves as a way to sidestep inspections and push remaining hours into a less visible arrangement. Some barriers to temporary hiring have historically amplified these patterns, a situation experts argue could have been exploited before.
The EPA indicates that part-time work remains a major driver of the regional economy and also reflects persistent gender inequality in the labor market. In one year, the number of part-time workers rose from 90,800 to 103,300, a gain of 12,500, while the number of full-time employees fell from 271,800 to 267,200, a decline of 4,600.
Successes and ongoing challenges in labor reform continue to shape the labor landscape. The evolution of employment shows a more nuanced picture than simple job counts might suggest. The number of part-time workers rose by almost 100, with only 28,300 men employed part-time and a smaller total increase in full-time positions, from 401,300 to 408,900.
Women remain central to the discussion about job norms. There is a sense that the normalization of women taking on more family care and domestic responsibilities persists, with some observers arguing that gendered discrimination persists under the guise of caregiving. Yet the reform has yielded positive effects overall, and policymakers stress the need to monitor what is failing and why, even as more people gain stable employment. The focus is on ensuring that those gains translate into genuine, durable opportunities for all workers.
The data also reveal a concerning trend in the composition of the workforce. Of the new part-time jobs created nationwide last year, only 1,200 were filled by Spanish workers, while 11,400 employed part-time roles went to foreign workers, according to EPA figures from the Valencian Statistical Institute. This highlights ongoing questions about labor market inclusivity and the distribution of opportunities across different worker groups.
Looking ahead, the first year of reform has left a significant cohort of workers in Alicante with complex employment arrangements. Some agreements emphasize the flexibility needs of both workers and companies, but the practical impact remains a topic of debate. In the past year, approximately 85,000 permanent positions were added, while temporary roles decreased by about 68,300, leading to a drop in the temporary share of the salaried workforce from 25% to roughly 14%.
In summary, the reform has brought more job stability in many sectors while amplifying concerns about part-time quality and discriminatory practices. The conversation continues around improving working conditions, ensuring fair access to full-time opportunities, and strengthening protections for vulnerable workers. The underlying goal is to balance flexibility with security, so the labor market supports both business needs and the well-being of workers over the long term. In markets across Canada and the United States, observers are watching closely how such reforms unfold and which policies best promote durable, inclusive employment.