Lengthy negotiations between the city council and the largest trade unions in Barcelona have concluded with a preliminary agreement to reduce the workweek for municipal employees to 35 hours. The new terms will affect approximately 15,000 workers covered by the city hall’s collective agreement. Talks had been ongoing since January, with the final round lasting more than a day.
The parties not only agreed to reduce the length of the workweek, but also reached a consensus on a range of additional measures. These include new initiatives to promote equality, expanded opportunities for internal promotion, support for families with children, and improved conditions for employees on sick leave.
Changes to the Work Schedule
Under the agreement reached, administrative and technical staff working regular schedules will shift from a 37.5-hour week to a 35-hour week, without mandatory evening shifts. For employees with special working hours, such as those in customer service or social services, a reduction in hours is also provided, though to a lesser extent. During holiday periods and summer, their schedules will be further reduced, with compensation paid for any lost hours.
The CGT union opposed reducing hours without simultaneously increasing staffing levels; however, most participants supported a compromise. Final approval of the agreement is expected at the next city council meeting.
New jobs and support for families
The agreements include the creation of 70 new permanent positions at the Municipal Social Insurance Institute, allowing temporary employees to transition to full-time roles. Additionally, 250 new part-time positions will be created in municipal kindergartens, to be filled by current temporary staff. Kindergarten teachers will also have the option to take on additional duties.
Additional measures include financial support for parents of children aged six to thirteen who choose to reduce their working hours. They will receive an annual payment of €2,500. Full compensation for temporary disability leave will remain in place, and a new bonus system will be introduced to reward employees with no absences.
Career growth and equality
The agreement provides for expanded opportunities for professional advancement within City Hall. Employees will be able to transfer between different departments without having to retake exams. The upcoming internal promotion competition will offer a record 400 positions.
In the area of equality, 71 new measures have been approved to improve working conditions for all staff categories. A new information officer position will be introduced, and managers will receive additional pay for performance.
Improvements for security services
Special attention is given to city police and fire department employees. Inspectors will receive a bonus for working under hazardous conditions, while firefighters will have their unique work schedules recognized with corresponding financial compensation. The police force will introduce a new compressed work schedule system.
A digital disconnect protocol has also been agreed upon, allowing employees to disconnect from work communications outside of working hours.
All these changes complement the previously agreed 11.5% national pay raise for municipal employees. Union representatives note that this compromise was achieved through persistent negotiations and active participation from workers.
