The Spanish Government has postponed parliamentary discussions on reducing the standard working week from 40 to 37.5 hours, following a failure to secure sufficient political backing amid a tense and fragmented national climate.
The reform, championed by Yolanda Díaz, Spain’s Minister of Labour and leader of the left-wing Sumar alliance, was due to be debated this week as part of the government’s broader agenda on labour rights and productivity. However, officials from the Ministry of Labour confirmed on Monday that the debate has been shelved, citing “a lack of cross-party consensus” and the “current atmosphere of political friction”.
The proposed change would see the legal maximum working week reduced without a cut in wages — a landmark shift intended to improve work–life balance, reduce burnout, and modernise Spain’s labour market. Trade unions have strongly supported the initiative, while business groups and conservative parties have voiced concern over potential impacts on competitiveness and flexibility.
Sources close to the Ministry admitted that recent scandals affecting the PSOE and ongoing disputes over Catalan funding have contributed to the delay, making it difficult to build the political alliances needed to push through such a significant labour reform.
A new date for debate has not been set, though government insiders insist the measure remains a key objective for this legislature. Meanwhile, Díaz has been pushing to pilot the scheme through sectoral agreements, including in public administration and among large employers in the service sector.
The 37.5-hour week was included in the coalition agreement between PSOE and Sumar after last year’s general election and was widely regarded as a signature policy of Spain’s progressive wing. If eventually implemented, Spain would join countries like France and Belgium in enshrining shorter working weeks into national law — a shift being closely monitored by other European economies.
The Confederation of Employers and Industries of Spain (CEOE) welcomed the postponement, warning that “further study is needed” to understand its effects. In contrast, the UGT and CCOO trade unions called the delay “disappointing” and urged the government to “follow through on its commitments to workers”.
