In Spain there will no longer be a 40-hour work week
Spanish ministers have approved reducing the working week from 40 hours to 37.5 hours without a pay cut, following an agreement with unions, but without the support of the largest employers' associations.
On February 5, the Council of Ministers approved a draft law that the two largest unions (CCOO and UGT) described as a historic measure that could potentially benefit 12 million workers.
Labor Minister Yolanda Diaz said it was a historic day and that it was the first reduction in working hours in the last 40 years.
"It's not just another economic variable, but a project for the country and a measure to modernize Spain," said Díaz, head of the left-wing Sumar alliance.
On the other hand, the largest employers' association CEOE rejected the draft law and called for a gradual reduction in working hours and collective bargaining.
They believe the measure will hit small businesses and the self-employed hardest, reports Brussels-based Euractiv.
Pedro Sánchez's government claims that the biggest benefits will be for workers not covered by collective agreements, which is most prevalent in the trade, services and hospitality sectors.
The bill must be approved by parliament, where Sanchez's government will have to secure the necessary support, which is no easy task.
The law could be before MPs in late February or early March.
