New Spanish Law Protects Workers from Unilateral Contract Changes

Spain Enacts New Law Protecting Workers' Rights Spain recently introduced legislation offering significant protection to workers whose employment conditions are altered without prior notice. This law provides a double shield for employees, ensuring their rights are upheld. The law covers changes to work schedules, job responsibilities, and salary. "One of the most frustrating things for workers is having their working conditions changed without warning," explains legal expert, Empleado Informado, in a recent video that has gone viral. He highlights a scenario where an employee's morning shift is suddenly changed to an afternoon shift. This, he explains, is not permissible without proper justification. The new law provides two key options for workers facing such changes. First, they can leave their job and receive compensation, ranging from 20 to 33 days' pay per year of service. The higher amount applies if the change is deemed to diminish the worker's dignity. Secondly, workers can challenge the changes in court, demanding a return to their original conditions. If they choose to leave, they are also entitled to unemployment benefits. The law has been widely welcomed by worker's rights advocates, who say it provides much-needed clarity and protection in a dynamic labor market. The government has stated that the law aims to create a fairer and more equitable workplace for all Spanish workers.