Spanish Lawyer's Guide: Reclaiming Unpaid Overtime and Contract Violations

Working Without a Contract in Spain: A Lawyer's Advice Spain, June 11, 2025 – Many workers in Spain face the challenge of working without contracts or receiving proper compensation for overtime. Ignacio Pérez, a lawyer, recently addressed these concerns in a short video, offering practical legal advice. He highlights two common situations: working for two years without a contract and performing unpaid overtime. Pérez emphasizes the importance of meticulous record-keeping. "For those who have worked without a contract," he explains, "presenting a claim to the labor inspectorate is crucial." He further details the process of filing a lawsuit against the employer to rectify the situation. For those facing unpaid overtime, the legal landscape is slightly different. Pérez notes a one-year timeframe for claiming unpaid hours. He advises workers to keep detailed records of their work hours to support their claim. This information can be used in conciliation proceedings or during a trial. Pérez's advice underscores the importance of proper documentation and highlights the legal recourse available to workers in Spain. His video serves as a valuable resource for those seeking justice in the workplace. The video concludes by emphasizing the employer's obligation to maintain accurate records of employee work hours.