The introduction of a 35-hour workweek for employees of the Administración General del Estado (AGE) will be one of the most significant changes in Spain’s labor policy in recent years. This decision will directly affect the daily lives of nearly a quarter of a million civil servants, as well as the functioning of ministries and agencies across the country. For many Spaniards, it means not only less time at work but also potential changes in the organization of public services.
According to elDiario.es, the transition to the new schedule will begin in the first half of April, right after Easter. Authorities emphasize that similar practices already exist in a number of autonomous communities, but now, for the first time, the entire AGE system will be covered. By April 15, all central government civil servants are expected to move to the reduced workweek. The Ministry of Transformación Digital y Función Pública reports that this will affect more than 246,000 employees working in various state structures.
Agreement with trade unions
A crucial part of the process was negotiating the terms with the country’s major trade unions. UGT and CCOO representatives have already expressed support for the initiative, while CSIF made its support conditional on the commitment to implement the 35-hour workweek for all AGE staff. An upcoming meeting between the Secretaría de Función Pública and the Mesa de Negociación de la AGE will formalize the final agreement. This approach aims to prevent conflicts and strikes that could delay the reform.
Authorities emphasize that the transition will take place gradually and in close coordination with each ministry. This approach is intended to minimize potential disruptions in the work of government agencies and ensure a smooth adaptation to the new conditions. According to russpain.com, such changes could serve as an example for other sectors of the economy if proven effective.
Impact on government institutions
Reducing the working week may lead to revised public service hours, redistribution of duties, and even the need to hire additional staff in some departments. At the same time, supporters of the reform are confident that the initiative will boost employee motivation and improve the quality of services provided. Authorities have pledged to closely monitor the results and, if necessary, adjust the implementation details.
Spain already has experience shifting to a shorter workweek in certain regions, where such measures have been well received. However, at the level of the central administration, a change of this scale is happening for the first time. This has sparked interest not only among employees but also among labor market experts, who are closely watching the results of the reform.
Background and comparable measures
In recent years, Spain has seen a growing debate about reducing the workweek and improving work-life balance. Some autonomous communities have already launched pilot programs for a four-day workweek for certain categories of employees. Similar reforms have previously been implemented in several European countries, where they have shown positive effects on productivity and employee satisfaction. In Spain, these initiatives are seen as part of a broader trend toward modernizing labor relations and making public service more attractive.
