Spain, the World's First to Discuss Implementing a '4-Day Workweek'

Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] Spain is discussing the pilot project for a four-day workweek, the first of its kind at the government level worldwide.

On the 15th (local time), the British daily The Guardian cited a Spanish Ministry of Industry official, reporting that the Spanish government is currently conducting early-stage discussions regarding the four-day workweek pilot project.

This move is known to follow the acceptance by the Spanish government of a pilot project proposal from the minor progressive party Mas Pais (More Country).

Mas Pais proposed implementing a four-day workweek over the next three years for willing companies. The proposal includes the Spanish government fully compensating the costs related to reduced working hours in the first year, 50% compensation in the second year, and 33% in the final year.

Mas Pais estimated the total project cost at 50 million euros (approximately 67.6 billion KRW) and predicted that 3,000 to 6,000 workers from about 200 companies would participate.

However, a Spanish government official stated that since discussions are at an early stage, details such as costs, the number of participating companies, and the schedule have not yet been decided.

Meanwhile, regarding the introduction of the four-day workweek, some voices of criticism have emerged from parts of the Spanish business community. Ricardo Mur, president of the Aragon branch of the Spanish Confederation of Employers' Organizations (CEOE), stated at a forum late last year, "To overcome the current crisis, we need to work more, not less," calling the discussion of the four-day workweek "crazy."

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