PP, Vox, and Junts Again Decline Debate on Proposed Reduction of Working Hours in Congress

Spanish Parliament Set to Reject 35-Hour Work Week Proposal, Sparking Labor Debate

Madrid, spain – October 14, 2025 – The Spanish Congress of Deputies is poised to reject, for the second time this month, a proposal to reduce the standard work week, this time to 35 hours. The vote, scheduled for this afternoon, comes from the Galician Nationalist Bloc (BNG) and follows a previous rejection of a similar initiative promoted by Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz to reduce the work week to 37.5 hours.

The BNG’s proposal,mirroring a French model implemented at the turn of the century,aims to legislate a maximum 35-hour work week across both the public and private sectors. BNG deputy Néstor Rego urged parliamentary groups to support the initiative,framing it as a crucial step towards bolstering worker’s rights and a “second chance” to advance labor protections. This vote represents the first hurdle for any legislative proposal, with potential amendments to follow if it passes.

However, opposition from the Peopel’s Party (PP), Vox, and Junts parties appears resolute. Critics argue the proposal is premature and fails to adequately consider the impact on the business community. Josep Maria Cervera of Junts and María Isabel Prieto of the PP accused the BNG of revisiting a flawed debate already dismissed by the majority of Congress, and doing so without sufficient consultation with employers. Juan José Aizcorbe of vox dismissed the proposal as “selling smoke,” claiming it would increase employment costs and create a privileged system for a select few.

The BNG initially registered the initiative in Febuary 2025, building on a prior agreement between the Ministry of Labor and major unions CCOO and UGT to reduce the work week by 2.5 hours. While supportive of the government’s initial proposal, the BNG sought to push the conversation further, advocating for the 35-hour week as a medium-term goal championed by labor unions.

The BNG argues that legislative action is necessary to support and accelerate the trend towards improved work-life balance, prioritizing rest, conciliation, and worker disconnection. The proposal is presented as a stepping stone towards the wider adoption of a four-day, 32-hour work week, especially within increasingly digitalized sectors of the economy.

the outcome of today’s vote will signal the current political appetite for important labor reform in Spain and will likely fuel further debate surrounding the future of work. The rejection is anticipated to be a significant setback for Labor Minister Díaz and her efforts to modernize Spain’s labor laws.

How does Junts’ opposition too the reduced working hours proposal differ from that of the PP and Vox?

The Recurring Standoff: Why the Debate is Stalled

For the second time this quarter, a crucial debate regarding the proposed reduction of working hours in the Spanish Congress has been blocked, primarily due to the combined opposition of the Popular Party (PP), Vox, and Junts. This ongoing refusal to engage has sparked considerable frustration from labor unions, progressive parties, and advocates for improved work-life balance. The core of the disagreement centers around the feasibility and potential economic impact of shortening the standard work week – currently 40 hours – without a corresponding decrease in wages.

The initial proposal, championed by Sumar and supported by the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party), suggested exploring a reduction to 32 or 36 hours. Arguments in favor highlight potential benefits like increased productivity, reduced burnout, and a more equitable distribution of employment opportunities. Though,PP,Vox,and Junts consistently cite concerns about competitiveness,potential job losses,and the strain on small and medium-sized enterprises (smes).

Key Positions of Each Party

Understanding the nuances of each party’s stance is crucial to grasping the deadlock.

* PP (Popular Party): the PP frames the proposed reduction as an “irresponsible” measure that would harm the Spanish economy. They argue that Spain needs to focus on attracting investment and boosting productivity thru deregulation, not reducing working hours. Their rhetoric often emphasizes the need to remain competitive with other European nations.Key terms used by the PP include “economic stability,” “competitiveness,” and “job creation.”

* Vox: Vox’s opposition is rooted in a broader ideological framework that prioritizes conventional values and a strong national economy. They view the proposal as a “socialist experiment” that would undermine the work ethic and lead to economic decline. Vox frequently links the debate to concerns about national sovereignty and the perceived erosion of traditional family structures. Their key phrases include “national interest,” “work ethic,” and “economic freedom.”

* Junts: Junts, a Catalan pro-independence party, has adopted a more tactical approach. While not explicitly opposed to the idea of reduced working hours in principle, they are leveraging the debate to negotiate concessions from the central government on issues related to Catalan autonomy and political prisoners. Their position is largely driven by securing political leverage rather than a firm ideological stance on labor reform. Terms frequently used by Junts include “negotiation,” “autonomy,” and “political rights.”

The impact on Labor Reform and the Spanish Economy

The repeated blocking of this debate has significant implications for the broader labor reform agenda in Spain. The current government had hoped to build on previous reforms aimed at addressing precarious employment and promoting fairer working conditions. The stalled debate casts doubt on their ability to deliver on these promises.

* Potential Economic Consequences: Economists are divided on the potential impact of reduced working hours. Some studies suggest that a shorter work week could boost productivity and create new jobs, while others warn of negative consequences for economic growth and competitiveness.

* Impact on SMEs: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the Spanish economy, are especially concerned about the potential costs associated with reducing working hours without a corresponding decrease in wages. They argue that they lack the resources to absorb these costs and may be forced to reduce staff or raise prices.

* Worker Morale and Wellbeing: The lack of progress on this issue is also impacting worker morale. Advocates for reduced working hours argue that it is indeed essential for improving work-life balance, reducing stress, and promoting overall wellbeing.

International Precedents and Case Studies

Several countries are already experimenting with reduced working hours.

* Iceland: Iceland conducted large-scale trials of a four-day work week between 2015 and 2019, which were deemed a resounding success. productivity remained the same or even increased in most workplaces, and worker wellbeing improved significantly.

* belgium: In 2022,Belgium introduced a four-day work week option,allowing employees to compress their working hours into four days rather of five.

* Spain’s Own Pilot Program: The Spanish government launched a small-scale pilot program in 2021 offering financial aid to companies that reduced their employees’ working hours. Initial results have been promising, but the program is limited in scope.

Future Outlook and Potential Compromises

The future of the debate remains uncertain. Several potential scenarios could unfold:

1. Continued Blockage: The PP, Vox, and Junts could continue to block the debate, effectively killing the proposal.
2. Negotiated Compromise: The government could attempt to negotiate a compromise with the opposition parties, potentially by scaling back the proposed reduction in working hours or offering concessions on other issues.
3. Referendum: The government could call for a referendum on the issue, allowing the public to decide whether or not to reduce working hours.

Finding a path forward will require a willingness from all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and consider the