Government Proposes 35-Hour Work Week to Boost Productivity

The Spanish Ministry of Labor has officially introduced a legislative proposal today to reduce the standard working week from 40 to 35 hours without any reduction in salary. Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz emphasized that this move is aimed at improving the quality of life for workers while encouraging companies to modernize their production processes. The government argues that a shorter work week will decrease burnout and potentially lower unemployment by forcing larger firms to expand their workforce to maintain operational coverage. Business associations have voiced immediate concerns, suggesting that the sudden shift could increase labor costs by up to 12%, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, the government has countered by offering tax incentives to businesses that successfully implement the new schedule within the first year. This proposal is expected to trigger a massive parliamentary debate over the summer, as Spain attempts to align itself with the most progressive labor models in the European Union while maintaining its economic growth trajectory.