Vice President Yolanda Díaz, Spain's Labour Minister, stated in Congress on Wednesday that reinforced time registration will be implemented 'even if it's the last thing I do', despite an unfavourable opinion from the Council of State. She accused the Economy Ministry of siding with employers. The measure is part of the 2023 coalition agreement and stems from an EU court ruling.
Flanked by Socialist ministers María Jesús Montero and José Manuel Albares, Yolanda Díaz addressed Congress on Wednesday in response to a question from ERC deputy Jordi Salvador. 'I am emphatic. [...] the time registration is mandated by a ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union,' she said. 'Let me be clear. This is an agreement of the Spanish Government and it will be done,' added the second vice president and Labour Minister from Sumar in the PSOE-Sumar coalition government. 'Even if it's the last thing I do, the time registration will be done,' she stressed, accusing the Economy Ministry of 'siding with the employers who fail to comply in our country' through reports that prompted the non-binding opinion from the Council of State, previewed by EL PAÍS on Monday. The body praises ending unpaid overtime but criticizes the lack of economic impact assessment, encroachment on legislative powers, insufficient sector adaptation, interference in collective bargaining, and data protection risks, echoing concerns from Economy, Public Function, and Data Protection. Díaz blamed Junts, PP, and Vox for the failure of the working hours reduction and stated Trabajo would proceed with minor changes to shield against legal challenges. Trabajo sources recalled that questioning the measure questions 'a democratic commitment'. Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo stated on Tuesday that he supports the goal of reducing working hours but advocates a 'balanced' rollout for SMEs. Unions expressed 'deep concern' over the opinion, while employers showed 'satisfaction'.
