The Spanish government is preparing to reduce the standard work week from 40 hours to 37.5 hours. The goal is to improve work-life balance, boost employee morale, and maintain productivity. This change could soon become law, affecting around 12.5 million workers without reducing their salaries.

Could You Get More Holiday Days?

Yes, in some cases. If companies do not adjust to the new 37.5-hour week and employees continue to work 40 hours, the extra hours would count as overtime. Over a year, this could give workers up to 12 extra days off.

Legally, employees are entitled to at least 30 calendar days of holiday per year, or about 22 working days. This right is protected by law and cannot be replaced with money, except when ending a contract. While the way holidays are calculated (1.8 days earned per month worked) won’t change, the reduction in working hours could lead to more rest time if overtime is not compensated with pay.

What’s Next for the New Law?

The law is currently being debated in Parliament. The government hopes to pass it by the end of 2025, but opposition from some political parties, like Junts, may delay the process.

The proposed law also includes:

• The right to disconnect outside of work hours
• A digital system to track working hours
• Fines of up to €10,000 for companies that break the rules

Some flexibility is also planned for industries like farming and hospitality, where work needs change throughout the year.

Strong Pushback from Major Supermarkets

Not everyone supports the change. Asedas, the association representing supermarket chains like Mercadona, Dia, Lidl, and Aldi, strongly opposes it. They estimate the new law could cost their members €630 million per year and say it could put jobs at risk.

Asedas claims the law ignores the long hours and flexibility needed in retail and accuses the government of not consulting business leaders. They’ve sent a letter of protest to the Minister of Labour and plan to ask political groups to block the law.

Other Business Groups Also Oppose the Move

The Spanish hotel industry also raised concerns. The hotel association Cehat says the change would make it hard to provide 24-hour service, possibly forcing some hotels to close or cut jobs. They argue their staff can’t follow office-style hours and that their industry is being overlooked.

The main business group CEOE has also warned that the law could hurt small and medium-sized businesses, suggesting that changes should be negotiated by sector.

Final Decisions Still Pending

Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz has confirmed that negotiations are ongoing but has not revealed details. For now, the future of the 37.5-hour work week depends on political discussions in Parliament, where support is still uncertain.