In a landmark shift, Spain is set to reduce the standard workweek from 40 hours to 37.5 hours. The agreement, reached between the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party and Sumar, is welcomed by unions and aims to benefit more than 12 million private sector workers while keeping fees stable.
Transition to the new working day in 2024
The proposal outlines a gradual implementation. In 2024, the maximum working week will be 38.5 hours, marking the first step toward the target of 37.5 hours per week by 2025. The plan envisions a notable reduction of about 150 annual hours worked.
The impact of reducing the working day on salaries
Salaries are not expected to decline as working hours decrease in 2024 and 2025. In fact, the structure could lead to higher earnings for many workers. Part-time schedules will be set at 18 hours per week, meaning a 20 hour contract could see a pay increase. The Minimum Interprofessional Salary will remain in place, but the value per hour is projected to rise by roughly 0.59 euros under the new framework.
Reducing the working day represents a meaningful advance in Spain’s quality of working life. By shortening hours without cutting pay, employees gain more time for family, hobbies, and rest, which enhances overall work‑life balance. The measure places Spain at the forefront of progressive labor policies in Europe.
Unions have expressed strong support for the 2024 and 2025 reductions in working hours. They argue that the policy not only improves working conditions but also boosts productivity, supports reconciliation, and enhances employee well‑being. This broad backing is seen as essential to the successful rollout of the shorter workweek.
In a broader context, the reform aligns Spain with global labor trends that seek a healthier balance between professional and private life. The shift positions the country among those redefining working arrangements to meet the needs of modern workers.
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Labor conditions during 2024 and 2025 are framed as a turning point in Spain’s labor history. The measure aims to present Spain as a model for progressive labor practices and to offer a blueprint that could inspire similar changes elsewhere. Spanish workers can anticipate not only shorter hours but also improved overall job quality and personal life. The successful execution of this reform could serve as a reference for achieving a better work‑life balance on a global scale.