Spain's National Court has ruled that companies must compensate workers for public holidays that fall on their weekly rest day of Saturday. The decision stems from a collective dispute in the contact center sector.
The social chamber ruling, dated May 19, states that companies cannot absorb public holidays when they coincide with Saturday rest. It grants workers the right to an additional day of effective leave.
The National Court sided with unions USO, CGT, UGT and CCOO in their claims against the Asociación de Compañías de Experiencia con Cliente. CIG, CSIF and STC also joined the case.
USO said the decision consolidates case law preventing firms from erasing holidays through work schedules. USO's secretary for union action and employment, Sara García, stated that all fourteen annual public holidays must be fully enjoyed by every worker.
The Supreme Court had already set similar criteria in April 2025, though without addressing Saturdays specifically. The new ruling can be appealed to the higher court.
