SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 4 December (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy for the Canary Islands Government, Manuel Domínguez, remarked this Wednesday that it is “extremely risky” for the central government to enforce a reduction of the working week to 37.5 hours “without consensus,” as it could lead to the “demise” of numerous businesses across the islands.
In response to an inquiry from the Mixed Group, he dismissed the notion that the Administration would impose the new working hours “on a whim,” considering that the Canary Islands have a modest business framework; without a suitable “incentive” strategy, it may struggle to manage a decrease in working hours.
Domínguez stated that if there were “higher productivity,” both a reduction in working hours and an increase in salaries could be attainable. However, if this does not materialise and employers are forced to absorb the cost of reduced hours, it will negatively impact employment opportunities.
“We cannot expect the same from a corner bookstore as from a factory that produces chocolate or bleach, as the productivity levels are likely to differ,” he explained, emphasising that not all sectors “are the same.”
Hence, he urged the central government to initiate a “period of reflection” to scrutinise the proposal, outline potential incentives, and open channels for consensus.
The representative for the Mixed Group, Raúl Acosta (AHI), concurred with the Deputy Prime Minister that if the measure is executed unilaterally, without agreement from employers and trade unions, it will yield “more detrimental effects” than benefits; he thus recommended taking inspiration from countries like Belgium, Portugal, or France, where such measures have already been implemented.
Acosta supported the idea of enhancing productivity first before reducing working hours, aligning with the latest BBVA Research report’s recommendations.
He also stressed the importance of creating incentives for businesses if the working hours are indeed reduced, as many small enterprises, particularly on non-capital islands, will witness a substantial “overnight surge” in labour costs due to a “new set of rules” arriving amidst the “January slope.”