Spanish Working Day Reduction Bill Faces Rejection in Congress

Madrid, Spain – The proposed law to reduce the working day in Spain has encountered a significant hurdle in the Congress of Deputies. On June 24th, parliamentary groups Junts, PP, and Vox jointly presented total amendments to the bill, effectively signaling their rejection. Given that these three parties collectively hold an absolute majority, the legislative initiative is now unlikely to be approved in its current form. Initially, a year ago, the reduction of the working day appeared to be on track for approval. However, the recent actions in the Congress have complicated its passage. While the current situation suggests a definitive halt, the government reportedly retains the option to negotiate with some of these parties in an attempt to reverse the vote and secure the law's approval, though this is considered a difficult prospect. In response to the potential setback, Yolanda Díaz, a key figure in the government, has reiterated an alternative course of action. Should the law not pass, the government intends to modify existing time registration regulations, enhance labor inspections, and implement more stringent penalties for companies found to be engaging in undeclared or 'hidden' overtime. This move aims to address issues related to working hours through alternative legal mechanisms.