Yolanda Díaz Criticizes Carlos Cuerpo Over Work Hour Reduction Dispute

The ongoing conflict between the Ministries of Labor and Economy regarding the reduction of work hours has intensified. Yolanda Díaz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labor, has publicly criticized her cabinet colleague, Carlos Cuerpo, for opposing a recently negotiated agreement with trade unions aimed at reducing the standard workweek to 37.5 hours. This agreement was part of the coalition government's commitments made by the Socialist Party (PSOE) and Sumar.

Díaz has accused the Ministry of Economy of interfering with the responsibilities of her department, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the government's commitment. She described the refusal to implement a half-hour reduction in daily work hours as "almost malicious." In response, the Economy Ministry has stated that the reduction is a priority for Minister Cuerpo and reassured that the government is committed to fulfilling this promise.

The discord between the two ministries became evident in the days leading up to the signing of the labor agreement. The Economy Ministry advocates for a more gradual implementation of the work hour reduction, suggesting that businesses should be given additional time to adjust, even if it means deviating from the government's agreement. Furthermore, the original plan to transition to 38.5 hours in 2024 appears to have been abandoned.

In an interview, Díaz expressed her astonishment that a fellow socialist minister would oppose a reduction in work hours, noting that the PSOE's own congress has proposed reducing the workweek to 36 hours. She highlighted the lengthy negotiation process with trade unions and employers, which lasted 11 months, and reiterated the importance of dialogue in reaching such agreements.

Díaz stated, "The agreement reached with the unions is sacred," urging Cuerpo to choose whether he stands with the working population or the interests of employers. She emphasized that only far-right groups and the Spanish employer association are against the reduction of work hours.

Joaquín Pérez Rey, the Secretary of State for Labor, echoed Díaz's sentiments, urging their government partner to avoid hindering progress. He called for the swift submission of the work hour reduction proposal to Parliament, emphasizing its significance to millions of workers in Spain.

Following Díaz's interview, the Economy Ministry reiterated its commitment to reducing working hours to 37.5 per week, asserting that this goal is still viable. Cuerpo, in a separate interview, acknowledged the challenges of reaching a parliamentary agreement on this measure, indicating that both the political landscape and the realities of the Spanish economy must be taken into account.

Elma Saiz, the Minister of Social Security, also commented on the matter, asserting that reforms must balance ambition with the existing parliamentary situation. She defended Cuerpo, calling him an excellent minister, friend, and person.

As tensions remain high between the two ministries, the future of the work hour reduction agreement hangs in the balance, with significant implications for workers and the broader labor market in Spain.