Aitana Mas, Vice President of the Generalitat and Minister for Equality and Inclusive Policy, is exploring an experimental plan to reduce civil servants’ working hours in the upcoming legislature after learning about a successful model implemented by the Icelandic government in this area.
Her remarks followed a meeting with Ásmundur Einar Daðason, Iceland’s Minister for Childhood and Education, during his official visit this week, as reported by Europa Press.
During talks with Icelandic officials over the past two days, the Valencian leadership discussed family reconciliation measures and noted that Iceland is setting an example for how a four-day workweek might operate in the public sector.
Mas highlighted that, despite cultural differences, the Icelandic approach demonstrates that a bold government can improve citizens’ lives. She added that Iceland is currently broadening policies to include the private sector and that its experience in public life could prove valuable for the Valencian community in the future.
“Women and men can work less and still be more effective, healthier, and happier in their daily family and personal activities.”
Mas stated that reducing hours could lead to greater effectiveness in family and personal routines, and contribute to better health and happiness. She noted Iceland as a notably interesting example for initiatives that face stronger internal resistance in larger states due to various factors, including resistance to change.
She praised Iceland’s project while informing Reykjavik officials about Valencia’s plan to cut working hours in the private sector, a measure promoted by the Ministry of Sustainable Economy, Productive Sectors, Trade and Labor.
Mas also mentioned that the Spanish government and the Ministry of Industry recently announced a similar initiative, calling it a cornerstone in a project begun earlier this year.
Child Welfare
In addition, Mas described Iceland’s work on child welfare as highly inspiring and announced that the Ministry for Equality and Inclusive Policies has already held meetings with the ministries of Justice and Health to promote the Barnahus project in Iceland in the coming months. Barnahus aims to coordinate services for child victims in a centralized, child-friendly environment.
The pilot for this model will be implemented in Castelló, aiming to consolidate all departments involved in cases of child sexual abuse into a single, child-friendly service for young victims. Mas emphasized that the goal is to learn ways to improve the lives of the most vulnerable populations. She also highlighted Iceland’s interest in exploring children’s councils that empower young people to voice their concerns and participate in decisions affecting them, including adolescents who engage with policy discussions. (Attribution: Europa Press)