Spain: ECJ decision on equal treatment of permanent and temporary workers regarding termination compensation reignites debate on job security

Following the European Court of Justice ruling, which granted the same rights to an individual on a short term contract as those enjoyed by people on permanent contracts (see article nº9818), trade unions and Spain’s parliamentary left have demanded a change in labour law, taking the ruling into account. Those in favour of a so-called ‘single work contract’, which has been discussed far more widely in recent electoral campaigns, believe their position has been strengthened.  
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It is not often that a decision by European legal authorities has caused such a stir in public opinion. The recent decision by the ECJ granted someone employed by the Spanish defence ministry on replacement contracts, renewed regularly over a period of nine years, the same compensation rights for termination as if she has been employed on a permanent contract. The ruling made in this particular case has reignited debate on labour legislation and the way temporary contracts are used (see...

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