Two-thirds of Spaniards support reducing the working week to 37.5 hours

As Spain enters a new political season after the summer break, the majority of the country’s population are in favour of reducing the standard working week from 40 hours to 37.5 hours. This proposal, currently under negotiation by the Ministry of Labour, trade unions, and employer associations, has garnered support from two out of three Spaniards, according to a recent survey by Simple Lógica for elDiario.es.

The survey reveals that 66% of Spaniards back the reduction in working hours, with only 25% opposing it and 9% choosing not to express an opinion.

The measure has nearly unanimous support among voters of the left-wing Sumar party (100%) and a strong majority among Socialist Party (PSOE) voters (85%). However, the initiative faces significant opposition from voters of the conservative People’s Party (PP) and far-right Vox, where the majority reject the proposal.

Workers and Retirees Show Strong Support:

The proposal is particularly popular among active workers, with 68% in favour of the reduction, although 25% still oppose it. Retirees also show substantial support, with 61% in favour and 28% against.

Among those currently inactive for reasons other than retirement, 64% support the reduction, while 26% oppose it.

Divided Opinions Among Different Employment Types:

Support for the reduced workweek is notably higher among salaried employees, with 71% in favour. In contrast, self-employed people, including freelancers and business owners, are evenly split, with 45% supporting and 45% opposing the measure.

Interestingly, among those who have never worked, 52% favour the reduction, while 29% are against it.

Awaiting Social Dialogue Agreement:

The gradual reduction of working hours, transitioning from the current 40-hour workweek to 37.5 hours, is a key topic of discussion at the social dialogue table. The latest meeting on July 29th ended without a final agreement, but the government remains optimistic about reaching a deal in the coming weeks when government activity restarts after the summer break.

Global Context:

The discussion in Spain aligns with broader global trends, such as the UK government's recent openness to exploring a four-day workweek. This indicates a growing interest in rethinking traditional work structures in response to evolving societal and economic needs.