Spain's Shorter Workday: Supermarkets Face €630 Million Blow

Spain's Reduced Workday: Supermarkets Face €630 Million Hit, Expert Warns Madrid, Spain – A proposed reduction in the working day, championed by Spain's Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz, is causing ripples of concern among the nation's supermarkets and distributors. Josep Antoni Duran, president of the Spanish Association of Distributors, Self-Service Stores, and Supermarkets (ASEDAS), has voiced strong reservations, estimating the annual cost increase to the sector at a staggering €630 million. "We estimate that the cost in the food distribution sector will be around €630 million per year," Duran stated in a recent interview. He emphasized that this figure is a conservative estimate, and the actual cost could be significantly higher. Duran further highlighted the issue of labor absenteeism, a persistent problem in the Spanish economy, arguing that the proposed workday reduction fails to address this critical challenge. "It makes no sense to approach the negotiation, or rather, the reduction of the working day, without considering this serious problem," he explained. The interview underscores the complexity of the situation, balancing the potential benefits of a shorter workday with the potential economic burdens on businesses and consumers. The debate highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to labor reform in Spain, one that considers both worker well-being and the economic realities of various sectors.