Sánchez Llibre warns that the reduction of working hours is a «ticking bomb» for the Spanish economy

Josep Sánchez Llibre, president of Foment del Treball and vice president of the CEOE, is currently expressing strong concerns about the possible consequences of the reduction of working hours in Spain. In a recent interview with El País (Noguer & Rovira, 2025), Sánchez Llibre stated that implementing this measure through a law project is a «ticking bomb» for the Spanish economy. His criticism focuses on the influence of Sumar in the Government and urges a broader vision to promote economic stability and competitiveness.

The Position of Foment del Treball

Sánchez Llibre is emphasizing that Foment del Treball is not against the reduction of working hours per se. However, he clarifies that the organization firmly believes that this type of decision must be the result of negotiation between employers and workers, and not an imposition through legal channels. «We are never against reducing working hours, if it is within the negotiation between employers and workers. But we are in total disagreement with it being implemented by law», he declared, arguing that no other European country is taking such a direction (Noguer & Rovira, 2025).

The Argument of «Flexiseguridad»

The proposal of Foment del Treball is based on the concept of «flexiseguridad», which seeks to implement flexible schedules in each sector, according to the agreements reached between employers, workers and unions. This approach seeks to balance the needs of businesses with the well-being of workers, avoiding rigid measures that could harm productivity.

Criticism of Government Policy

Sánchez Llibre is also directing strong criticism towards the Government, particularly towards Yolanda Díaz, accusing her of promoting the reduction of working hours as an electoral whim. According to his statements, this measure would not only reduce productivity but also cause an 8% increase in salary costs for companies. «The 37.5 hours is a serious mistake that obeys an electoral whim of Yolanda Díaz, but in practice it will mean a reduction in productivity and an inflation of 8% of the costs in salaries that companies bear», he emphasized.

Actions to Block the Measure

Given this situation, Sánchez Llibre is announcing that Foment del Treball will do everything possible to block the reduction of working hours as proposed by the Government. This includes holding talks with parties such as PP, Junts, PNV and Vox, with the aim of presenting an amendment to the entirety that can prosper in Congress. The goal is to influence the political decision so that it aligns with the needs of business competitiveness and economic stability.

Fiscal Policy and Economic Stability

In addition to the issue of working hours, Sánchez Llibre is also addressing other relevant economic issues. He is emphasizing that the fiscal policy in Spain is a «minefield» that undermines the productivity and competitiveness of companies. In this sense, he is advocating for the suppression of the wealth tax and setting a cap on the inheritance and gift tax, arguing that these measures affect the majority of Spanish society, not just the rich.

  • Eliminate the wealth tax
  • Set a ceiling on inheritance and gift taxes

The Importance of Productivity and Salaries

Sánchez Llibre is also highlighting the importance of increasing productivity to improve wages. He argues that the Spanish economy is doing relatively well in macroeconomic terms, but individual gross income is still below the European average. «The only way to raise wages is to increase productivity. The Spanish worker, like the employers, is not interested in working less to earn the same, but in working the same and earning more», he stated.

Opposition to the BBVA's OPA on Banco Sabadell

Another controversial issue addressed by Sánchez Llibre is the BBVA's hostile takeover bid (OPA) on Banco Sabadell. He is expressing his opposition to this operation, arguing that the disappearance of an actor as important as Banco Sabadell would harm the financing capacity of small and medium-sized companies. «From the business perspective, the disappearance of an actor as important as Banco Sabadell goes to the detriment of the financing capacity of small and medium-sized companies. It would not be positive for the Catalan and Spanish industrial fabric», he explained.

Government Intervention in Strategic Decisions

Sánchez Llibre defends the free market and free competition, but he also believes that there should be government intervention in decisions that affect strategic companies. He recalls the crisis of Lehman Brothers, when the disappearance of financial actors reduced the financing capacity of businesses. In this context, he trusts that the CNMC and the Government will make decisions that protect the interests of the Spanish business fabric.

Future Prospects for Catalonia

Finally, Sánchez Llibre is showing optimism about the future of Catalonia as a leader in the Spanish economy. He supports the president of the Generalitat in his vision of a Catalonia that drives economic growth and promotes collaboration between Catalan businessmen and politicians at the national level. He also gives a «notable» to the management of Illa at the head of the Govern, highlighting its ability to impose stability and predictability, although he criticizes the tax increases in tourism and housing.

In short, Josep Sánchez Llibre is presenting a critical but constructive vision of the current economic challenges in Spain, advocating for dialogue, flexibility and a focus on productivity to ensure sustainable and equitable growth. His words reflect the concern of the business sector about the measures that could negatively affect the competitiveness and economic stability of the country.

References

Noguer, M., & Rovira, M. (2025, March 30). Josep Sánchez Llibre: “The reduction of working hours through a law project is a ticking time bomb for the Spanish economy”. El País . Retrieved from [https://elpais.com/espana/catalunya/2025-03-30/josep-sanchez-llibre-la-reduccion-horaria-a-traves-de-un-proyecto-de-ley-es-una-bomba-de-relojeria-para-la-economia-espanola.html](https://elpais.com/espana/catalunya/2025-03-30/josep-sanchez-llibre-la-reduccion-horaria-a-traves-de-un-proyecto-de-ley-es-una-bomba-de-relojeria-para-la-economia-espanola.html)