This measure aims to reduce the maximum legal working week from 40 to 37.5 hours by 2025, with the possibility of studying further reductions in subsequent years. However, there are many doubts about the effects on the economy and employment of this measure, decided outside of social dialogue, and they deserve careful analysis.
Yolanda Díaz's approach and the proposal to reduce the working week from 40 to 37.5 hours without a salary reduction are based on the idea of improving the quality of life of workers and promoting a better work-life balance. This measure is seen as a way to adapt the labor market to the changing needs of society, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is crucial to examine the possible economic and labor effects of this decision.
To assess the feasibility of this proposal, we can look at the results of academic studies that have analyzed the reductions in working hours implemented in other European countries in recent decades. These studies suggest three main effects that could result from this measure:
1. Increased labor costs: A reduction in working hours without a reduction in wages means that, in order to maintain the same production, companies must hire more workers or invest in automation. This leads to an increase in labor costs for companies, which could affect their profitability.
2. More problems for job creation: Increased labor costs can make companies more reluctant to hire new employees, which could make job creation more difficult at a time when the country is struggling to reduce unemployment rates.
3. Cost transfer to prices: In many cases, companies can choose to transfer cost increases to the prices of their products or services. This could contribute to higher inflation and negatively affect consumers' purchasing power.
In addition, unions have also expressed a desire to implement a reduction in working hours for all workers without affecting their salaries. This is another important point of discussion that must be addressed in any measure that seeks to change labor regulations in the country.